That’s Entertainment: the folks over at Replacement Level Yankees Weblog, a Yankee website that actually has decent, well-considered analysis, were talking about Derek Jeter’s value as an entertainer. It’s a question I’ve often pondered too: sure, everyone loves a winner, but besides the winning aspect, is some element of the much-derided “intangibles” factor really a tangible in terms of ticket sales, merchandise and souvenir sales, and the like? It was said in the world of football/soccer that when David Beckham signed for Real Madrid, the value of having the David Beckham brand on board (well, before he tarnished it with those revelations of tawdry affairs) made him well worth the transfer fees.
So while I don’t believe in the talk of Jeter’s “leadership” or “intangible” qualities affecting the likelihood of winning, unlike the drooling Fox announcers, he may have a tangible effect on ratings, tickets, and merchandise, so presumably one player can be both overrated and correctly valued. Some players have the X-factor that lets them be franchise heroes: Pedro, for one, who beyond pitching supremacy also has the willingness to give controversial quotes (knocking down the Babe), get embroiled in TV-highlight moments (knocking down Zimmer), and has a goofy sense of humour (the whole red bat thing lately). Othr players are at a similar level of greatness on the field, but someone can’t ignite the excitement in the same way. I love Manny, but for me while he’s one of the greatest hitters of the balls in the game it’s never as electric seeing him as seeing Pedro. Of course, if he hits a game-winning homer in Game 7, I’ll gladly eat crow.