Derek Jeter Since Hit #3000

It's no secret at this point; Derek Jeter is off to one heck of a start in 2012.

Here's his line so far: 21 for 54 (.389), eight runs scored, four doubles, four home runs, two walks, four strikeouts, .404 OBP, .685 SLG, 1.089 OPS.

His wOBA is at a staggering .450, wRC+ at 186 and he's been good for 0.7 WAR through just 12 games. I don't think anyone expected to see the Derek Jeter that looks 28 again this late in his career.

Counting the at-bat after his 3,000th hit up until his last at-bat during Wednesday night's 6-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins, this is what Jeter has managed to put together...

This is the past 77 games played for Jeter (minus his 2999th and 3000th hits): 351 PA, 109 for 318 (.343), .390 OBP, .478 SLG, 51 R, 16 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 48 RBI, 24 BB, 52 K, 5 GDP.

Another cool statistic that's increased significantly is Jeter's at-bat to grounded into double play ratio. Over the course of his entire career, his AB:GDP ratio is 40(39.8):1, meaning for every 40 at-bats, Jeter grounds into one double play.

Over the past 77 games, his AB:GDP is 64:1.

Joe Girardi told reporters earlier this season that Jeter definitely felt pressure from the media and fans when approaching his 3000th hit last season. Even Jeter admitted to it. It felt hard to accept as a logical explanation behind him struggling to reach base because his 2010 season was nothing to behold (stats for that are here).

However, Jeter's been on a rampage since getting the large, round number monkey off his back. Was that really the reason behind his struggles up until that point? Was it his time spent rehabbing down in Tampa with Gary Denbo, working on tweaking his swing slightly?

Whatever it was, Jeter's made a point loud and clear: He's likely going to be the leadoff hitter for the Yankees for the rest of this season.