Looking back on tomorrow

As the news in New York centers around the Bronx rather than Queens, you need not be a Yankee fan to recognize the unique talent of Derek Jeter. As the history books are rewritten, Jeter’s name will rest beside those of Ruth, Gehrig, Mantle, and Berra.

Last night, Jeter tied Lou Gehrig for most hits by a Yankee. His place in the Hall of Fame is secure, his fingers adorned by multiple championship rings. As a Bronx boy of failed borough allegiance, I have to wonder: Is there a Jeter of tomorrow on the Mets today?

Looking through the “core” of the team, the initial reaction would be to attempt to find parallels between Jeter and Wright. Both third basemen, both consistent All-Stars, both defensive standouts. But there is a stratosphere beyond that where Jeter seems to pale Wright, and it is one of internal substance rather than external capabilities. A confidence and maturity that exists in Jeter sorely lacks in Wright. Jeter leads by example, Wright seems to lead by default, if he leads at all. He has assumed the role of the face and name of the franchise, but he isn’t yet a player who would be considered “The Franchise.” Maybe time will be kind to Wright in this respect, but only time will tell.

All the talent in the world may live within Jose Reyes, but he will never be a Derek Jeter. Sulking, brooding, childish and undisciplined, his statistics will always be impressive but his presence as a leader may never blossom. Again, only time will tell.

Carlos Beltran will always be known as one of the premier fielders in baseball, but his independence is well chronicled. However his career progresses, he has already demonstrated his inability or unwillingness to fill the Jeter role on the team.

The only star currently on the Mets who would appear to possess the mettle to be an example on the field, a consistent player, and a true leader would be Johan Santana. Unfortunately, it’s difficult for a every fifth-day player to assume the role of daily leader. Santana is a baseball great, probably one of the top 5 pitchers in the game today, but he simply isn’t positioned to be the daily Jeter.

Looking toward the future, the likes of Murphy, Thole, Pagan, all show promise as team players. All show heart, all show capability, all show drive and determination. None show Jeter – yet. Certainly, this week has shown that none can light the spark to make this team – one with a broken, troubled, lost season – realize their greatest moments of the season could be realized if they would push the extra weight to try to take on the role of spoiler. That’s one spark Jeter has rarely had to be, let alone witness.