WITHOUT DICK GROCH, THERE IS NO DEREK JETER

 

If you like Jack Curry as much as I do, you know to read him as much as possible. If you haven’t recently, let me bring you up to speed on a terrific piece Curry put up titled President scout to thank for Jeter in pinstripes. 
 

In that piece, Curry breaks it down simply. Groch completed his report on a young high school shortstop named Derek Jeter in April 1992, and as the story goes:

"After receiving Groch's report, the Yankees were more committed than ever to selecting Jeter with the sixth pick overall. Scouts routinely use a 20 to 80 scale to rate the different skills of a player, with a score of 50 considered to be an average Major Leaguer. A 60 means a player is above average and a 70 means a player is among the best of the best. Groch rated Jeter's overall future potential as a 64, meaning he believed that Jeter would be a well above average player and an All-Star...

As I read Groch's report, it was eerie to realize how precisely he had predicted Jeter's career.

Under the section of the reported entitled, 'Summation and Signability,' Groch wrote, 'A Yankee!' A five-tool player. He will be a M.L. star times five!!.'"

In other words, Groch saw Jeter’s ability then, and the Yankees, they trusted Groch and that goes along way.  Years later, it’s incredible to think about what has happened since that report was filed.  Simply, Groch was right, and not only that, he was dead on.

I just wanted to share this with you. It’s an excellent observation, analysis of the Captain as well as a great, well written piece by Jack Curry. Please check out Curry's piece and read what Groch wrote and rated Jeter in each category. It's fascinating.

Also, for the record, don't over hype my headline as being insensitive to Jeter's incredible drive all  these years. I'm merely suggesting that Groch's glowing analysis was a nice boost for a young Derek to transform and become a great captain and leader of the New York Yankees... I love Jeter's journey and I just wanted to make sure you knew where my heart truly lies.

I tip my cap… I enjoyed this piece by Jack Curry very much.

Finally, for all of you that have not seen it yet, be sure to read our interview with Jack... read EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: JACK CURRY.

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