Jeter is no cheater

By Dan Rodgers

Last night in the New York Yankees game Derek Jeter was "hit" by a pitch. This is in quotes because it appears that the ball hit Jeter's bat and then his leg. That would, by rule, be a foul ball and Jeter would have to finish his at-bat. However, the homeplate umpire ruled that it hit him and Jeter was awarded first base. Of course, Curtis Granderson then hits the go-ahead two-run homer in the top of the seventh inning.

This would have become extremely controversial if the Yanks had held on for the win, but Phil Hughes gave up a two-run homer to Dan Johnson in the bottom of the inning. The Rays ended up holding for the 4-3 victory.

Given that Jeter's acting essentially didn't hurt the Rays, I don't think it's that serious. In fact, Jeter was just doing whatever it took to get on base. Without replay, we wouldn't have even known that he did it. Players could have been doing this for years and no one would know without replay. Players always look for the competitive edge in whatever sport they play, for example:

• Steroids (all sports)
  
• Corking bats (MLB)
  
• Stick 'em on receivers hands (NFL)
  
• Gloves for receivers, runningbacks (NFL)
• Receivers diving a scooping balls but acting like they caught it (same goes for outfielders)
  

Those were the only things I could think of off the top of my head, but I think you understand where I'm coming from.

In the Ravens vs. Jets game this past Monday, Braylon Edwards landed right next to Baltimore's kicker. The kicker put his foot down on Edwards' hand, looked down and saw he was right there after missing the block, and then fell down. A running-into-the-kicker penalty was called, and the Ravens ended up scoring a touchdown. That one call changed the entire game.

The fact of the matter is, most players would do something like this if the opportunity presented itself, but Jeter is getting called out because of his reaction. A lot of people felt it was obvious that it his the bat first. I feel like if someone in a game that was Royals vs. Indians, no one would even think twice about it.

Regardless, it has once again sparked the instant replay talks. We'll see if this play among the others we've seen this year play any impact on the future of replay.

Rodgers That