Derek Jeter

The early morning fog and clouds cleared to reveal nothing but blue sky and sunshine.

The baseball gods would not allow anything to ruin the unveiling of the most remarkable structure its sport has to offer.

Some shocking news came out of the Yankees' spring training camp as they prepare to break in their new Yankee Stadium—one that adds another dash of controversy to a team that needs controversy like Bartolo Colon needs doughnuts.

The news is courtesy of captain Derek Jeter, who now has his loyalty and reputation as a Yankee questioned. The news:

In the next year or two, the New York Yankees will have to decide on what to do with Derek Jeter.

And it looks like the decision is going to happen sooner than later, especially with Jeter's uninspired play in the World Baseball Classic.

Now, Yankee fans are going to argue that it is March and he's not in shape yet.

I find that hard to believe, considering that present day professional players are constantly making sure to keep in shape when coming in to camp.

The big news yesterday was Joe Girardi's decision to flip-flop Derek Jeter and Johnny Damon in the batting order, making Jeter the leadoff man.

A lot of people have expressed their opinion on the move, and as you might expect the opinions are mixed.

Let's take a look at some of those from around the Internet.

Newsday's Jim Baumbach

Whoops, I guess this is the danger of writing for public consumption—you run the risk of looking like an utter jackass. Even when you think you're taking the necessary precautions, every now and then, risk yanks your card.

Today is apparently 'every now and then.'

This has been discussed several times before during this offseason, including on this blog, and if you ask me this is a tough call. But let's look at what someone else had to say. Tyler Hissey over at Dugout Central posted this article today and he thinks the Yanks would be better off letting Jeter walk after his contract runs out in 2010.

Derek Jeter's range at shortstop has been scrutinized a lot in the media recently as Yankees writers are already worrisome of the Yankees' defense in 2009.  Frankly, it's pissing me off.

Derek Jeter has been one of the most beloved professional athletes in New York’s illustrious sports history.

He has also been one of the most respected athletes in the history of sports in general.

During 12 magical seasons as Yankee teammates, Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams reached six World Series and captured four titles.

In a combined 30 seasons in pinstripes, they have become as much a symbol of Yankee success as the immortal superstars that preceded them.

Jeter and Williams' friendship and fame even landed them a guest appearance on Seinfeld:

From Mike Puma: