For as much as I love this recognition (and with his fifth ring), I would have loved to have seen the Core Four get it. How great would that have been? With all the wailing about the Yankee wealth, a statement about long-time teamwork. They could have pulled all sorts of old quotes from the archives. A story almost 20 years in the making. Mo was signed in 1990. Jorge and Pettitte were signed in 1991. And Jeter was signed in 1992.

This Tiger stuff has me worried that Jeter has only one place to go after his career ends. It's the rare superstar that fades quietly. I mean, if it could happen to Tiger any one could be next. Also that damn Gillette campaign has Tiger, Jeter, and Henri. Two sterling reputations ruined in the span of two weeks.

Well deserved, Jeter, well deserved.

I root hard for him because of: his smile, his calmness, his competitiveness, his ability to know what to say and do, his actions, his upbringing, he doesn't give you excuses. Some hate Jeter for being almost too perfect, I don't think he's perfect at all, he's just balanced.

Happy 40th birthday, Mr. Rivera.
Happy 82nd birthday, Mr. Scully.

Feh. I remember that SI ran a snarky cover of Jeter being manhandled by a Tampa Bay sooperyoot to highlight a Tom Verducci feature story. Trying to cover their butts or get back in good graces, eh?