American League is tougher than before, Derek Jeter – MLB News
In an interview with a reputed sports website, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter stated that American League is the toughest Division in Major League Baseball right now. Jeter, who has played 17 big league seasons for the Yankees, further commented that the addition of Prince Fielder has made Detroit Tigers even stronger.
Fielder signed on to the Tigers for $214 million last month. The left handed striker is one of the best hitters in Major League Baseball. His ability to single handedly win games for his team is what makes him a special player. Last season, he hit .299 with 120 RBIs and 38 home-runs for the Milwaukee Brewers. Along with Miguel Cabrera, Fielder will be looking to form one of the best hitting combinations in history of the game. If Fielder and Cabrera can live to their immense potential, the Tigers will be very hard to beat.
Jeter is convinced that Yankees have a decent offence to beat even the best in the business. Signing the tall Michael Pineda, the Yankees have powered their pitching line-up to a great extent. Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia will also have a crucial role to play during the regular season. Sabathia was the only bright spot in Yankees pitching rotation last season. To assist him, Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman has added some fresh faces to the pitching unit.
"It’s always been a tough league," Jeter said yesterday at the team’s Minor League complex after he took batting practice outside for the first time this season. "I’m pretty sure they are excited over in Anaheim to have Albert [Pujols] and C.J. Wilson. I think it’s kind of cool that Prince [Fielder] is in Detroit because everybody remembers him following his dad around over in Detroit. It made two great teams even better, which is scary for the whole American League, but especially for the West and the Central."
Jeter explained that Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine has the skills to get the best out of his team. Under his supervision, the Red Sox will also be a force to reckon with. The 37-year-old Jeter has already started to train for the upcoming season. He will be hoping to achieve his desired results before he calls it a career.
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