Derek Jeter’s hot start to open this 2012 season has stirred some debate as to whether the shortstop can break the all-time hits record currently held by former Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose.

Before last night’s game he needed 1,112 hits to tie Rose. Assuming Jeter doesn’t get injured the rest of the season, he should easily finish above 200 hits. That would bring the total number of hits he needs to tie rose to under a 1,000.

Here is where the problem comes in. Jeter will be 38 on June 26th and his New York Yankees contract is almost up. Will they resign him?

The Yankees showed that they put their team first when it comes to keeping their ‘Yankee legends.’ Just look what happened to Jorge Posada.

Just how important is it to Jeter to be a Yankee his whole career? Is he even pursuing Rose’s record. Jeter all ready has nearly every accolade you could possibly think of.

This year clearly shows that Jeter is always looking to stay on the top of his game. It all comes down to that next contract period.

If number two is able to get another three-year contract with an option for a fourth, he should be able to break Pete Rose’s record. Of course that depends on what team he signs with but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.

Do you think he’ll break the record?

photo: terren in virginia