Since Derek Jeter went on the Disabled List on June 14th, the Yankees have gone 6-1. Though it isn't a direct result of his absence, it is partly a result of his replacement at the top of the lineup. Since Jeter's injury, Brett Gardner has gone 10-21, and has only struck out 3 times. Though Jeter gets more hits than Gardner, he no longer can steal bases, which is Brett Gardner's specialty. Also, Gardner's .371 On Base Percentage is much higher than Jeter's .324. Jeter's OBP is even less than that of Robinson Cano, who is one of the best hitters in the American League, but whose On Base Percentage is not expected to be high because Cano doesn't walk very much.
Also, Gardner's Batting Average of .293 is about a third of a percentage point higher than Jeter's .260.
It is safe to say the more productive leadoff hitter is easily Brett Gardner. It is time for Joe Girardi to take a stand and put Derek Jeter in the 7th hole where he belongs.
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