Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania said yesterday at a meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, in Boston.

Using a complex statistical method, researchers concluded that Alex Rodriguez was one of the best shortstops in the game when he played for the Texas Rangers.

When Rodriguez became a Yankee in 2004, he moved to third base while Jeter stayed at short.

But that may have been a mistake, said Penn researcher Shane Jensen.

Researchers looked at every ball put in play from 2002 through 2005 and recorded where the shots went.

Jensen said a player’s success depended on his range as well as how ef fectively he made decisions and posi tioned himself on the field.

Players were then ranked in each position from best to worst, with Mr. New York Baseball – Jeter – coming in dead last among major league shortstops during the research period.

A-Rod, who won two Gold Gloves at short, was ranked No. 2.

“The Yankees have one of the best defensive short stops playing out of position in deference to one of the worst defensive shortstops,” said Jensen. (Source)