Derek Jeter hits 250th career home run

Derek Jeter’s liner to left field in the fifth inning Friday off Franklin Morales was his 250th career home run. He moved into fifth place all-time among players who have played at least half of their games at shortstop:

1. Alex Rodriguez – 644
2. Cal Ripken Jr. – 431
3. Miguel Tejada – 304
4. Robin Yount – 251
5. Derek Jeter – 250
6. Jose Valentin – 249
7. Vern Stephens – 247
8. Nomar Garciaparra – 229
9. Barry Larkin – 198
10. Jay Bell – 195

Jeter will likely finish his career third on the that list, considering that A-Rod’s tenure at third base is set to overtake his time at shortstop next year.

Jeter also moved into a tie for ninth place on the Yankees’ all-time home run list:

1. Babe Ruth – 659
2. Mickey Mantle – 536
3. Lou Gehrig – 493
4. Joe DiMaggio – 361
5. Yogi Berra – 358
6. Alex Rodriguez – 299
7. Bernie Williams – 287
8. Jorge Posada – 275
9. Derek Jeter – 250
9. Graig Nettles – 250

Kyle Seager had the worst year of his big league career in 2018. He hit .221/.273/.400 (86 OPS+) and saw his home run total decline for the second straight year. In response, Seager has reported back to camp in Peoria . . . in the best shape of his life.

This story about it in the Seattle Times has it all: the poor production and nagging injuries that led to a change of habits in the offseason. A new diet, new exercise routines, a focus on flexibility, the epiphany that an injury was the result of conditioning and, as the payoff, the scene on the first day of workouts when his uniform was too baggy and he had to get a new one.

The proof, of course, will not come from the eating, but in the production.

Follow @craigcalcaterra