Derek Jeter

Cashman forced to pay Dan Connolly Baltimore Sun Brian Cashman, but it doesn't matter. Because Derek Jeter is more valuable to the Yankees than to anyone else, and they'll eventually have to pay him close to what he wants. The Orioles faced a similar dilemma with Cal Ripken Jr. , when he approached his final contract. There is no way they could have let him finish his career elsewhere. Jeter will be 37 in June and his skills are declining.

Down for the count Dom Amore Hartford Courant It's always dangerous to count the Yankees out — except right now. They're one blow from being out cold, and Justin Verlander is winding up for a haymaker. These Yankees are old, and one-dimensional. There's no such thing as hitting too many home runs, but there is such a thing as being too reliant on home runs, and walks. Did you see Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera stroke outside pitches to right for singles with runners in scoring position in Game 2?

This is probably a little too "inside baseball" for many of you, but the Orioles canceled their workout for today at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees had already stated that they weren't going to have a practice, due to train cancelations between Baltimore and New York. The media will talk to the managers and Wednesday's starting pitcher via a conference call. The teams didn't get into New York City until early Tuesday morning. Due to the train issues, the Orioles had to take a bus to New York City, and they didn't arrive until around 8:30 a.m. Both sides are apparently going to get some rest and do "battle" again Wednesday as Yankees' captain Derek Jeter referred to this series Monday.

Smart baseball Phil Rogers Chicago Tribune Give Derek Jeter an Oscar. And extra MVP consideration. Derek Jeter was once again instinctually brilliant when he faked getting hit with that Chad Qualls pitch in the seventh inning on Wednesday night against the Rays. It was a case of bad umpiring and very, very smart baseball. The Yankees were trailing 2-1, so getting on base was Jeter's priority. When the pitch hit the knob of his bat, he immediately acted as if the pitch hit him and he was in pain, and umpire Lance Barksdale bought it, sending him to first.

Here's a roundup of what other media outlets are saying about the Orioles' loss to the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the American League Division Series and more: • Andrew Marchand of ESPNNewYork.com shares a quote from Yankees first baseman Mark Teixeira after Sunday night's game . Considering the two-three format of this best-of-five series, it was imperative that the Yankees get at least one win in Baltimore to avoid returning to...

Quote: "I'm sorry that I stopped it, but it's a jungle out there and I had to do my job and get him out." -- Red Sox starter Pedro Martinez, who helped end Garret Anderson's 28-game hitting streak.It's a fact: Derek Jeter (21) and Chuck Knoblauch (23) are the first Yankees middle-infield combination ever to both have more than 20 stolen bases in a season.Who's hot: Steve Reed has been unscored upon in 17 consecutive outings (22 1/3 innings) with the Giants and Indians. He has pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings for the Indians, allowing three hits.

AMERICAN LEAGUE Who's hot Ichiro Suzuki of the Mariners has 220 hits, tops in the majors. Who's not The Devil Rays have lost five consecutive games. Line of the day Alex Rodriguez, Rangers shortstop AB R H RBI HR 4 2 3 2 1 NATIONAL LEAGUE Who's hot Preston Wilson of the Marlins is hitting .409 (18-for-44) during an 11-game hitting streak. Who's not The Pirates have yet to win a series against a National League East team. Line of the day Albert Pujols, Cardinals third baseman AB R H RBI HR 3 2 2 5 1 He said it "I've had people tell me that they don't really like the Yankees, but they want us to win for the people of New York.

Athletics: When Tony Phillips walked in the third, it was his 1,277th walk -- tying Al Kaline for 28th place all-time. Teammate Tim Raines is 27th with 1,279 walks. Despite the win, Oakland is 8-14 against AL Central teams this season.Rangers: Catcher Ivan Rodriguez extended his hitting streak to 15 games. He also stole his 12th base, making him successful in his past 10 attempts. Outfielder Tom Goodwin stole his AL-best 21st base in the third inning. He also was caught twice attempting to steal second.

It is a truism , born in Hollywood westerns, that the good guys wear white hats. Now from New York comes word that the bad guys prefer Yankee caps. In the last 10 years more than 100 suspects or persons of interest in connection with serious crimes in New York wore Yankee apparel at the time of their crimes, arrests or arraignment. This report comes from The New York Times, the newspaper of record in the Yankees' hometown, which stated that when it came to clothing favored by the accused, "no other sports team comes close.