Derek Jeter Owes Mark Teixeira Two Gold Gloves

It's an amazing stat when you think about it but since Derek Jeter has broken into the big leagues in 1995 he has only played with four full time first baseman, Don Mattingly, Tino Martinez, Jason Giambi, and Mark Teixeira. Of course there was the Richie Sexson's, Nick Johnson's, etc. of the world involved as well but these were the main guys. Now Jeter has never been known for his defensive prowess but quietly Mark Teixeira has turned Jeter into an average defender surprisingly.

Don Mattingly - 1995

Jeter had two errors in 15 games

Tino Martinez - 1996 to 2001

Jeter had 102 errors in six seasons

Jason Giambi - 2002 to 2008

Jeter had 101 errors  in seven seasons

Mark Teixeira - 2009 to present

Jeter has (to date including the 2014 season) 44 errors including a career low (for a full season) six in 2010 in six seasons.

Jeter won a Gold Glove Award in 2004, 2005, and 2006 with the help of Jason Giambi and won two more in 2009 and 2010 with Mark Teixeira. In most opinions Jeter did not deserve the first three awards, and who could blame them with a fielding percentage of .981, .979, and .975? Jeter deserved his in 2009 and 2010 with a fielding percentage of .986 and .989 and much of that can be attributed to the defense of Mark Teixeira.

Too many times have we seen Teixeira save a ball thrown high or pick a ball out of the dirt, and not just for Jeter, and not get enough recognition for it. I thank you Mark and Jeter should be too.