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

Holmes to the Jets?

By Dan Rodgers

Okay, now this is definitely a confusing one on me. It has been reported that the Jets have traded a fifth round pick in this year's NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for troubled receiver Santonio Holmes. Holmes, a former Super Bowl MVP, has great talent but has had some run-ins with the law. He has tested positive for marijuana, and was also accused for throwing a glass at a woman's head at a night club.

Personally, a former Super Bowl MVP for a fifth round pick is an absolute steal. Holmes, I believe, is already suspended for the first four games of the season due to violating the susbstance abuse policy. If Holmes doesn't go to prison for whatever reason and puts up good numbers this is a phenomenal trade for New York. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is just cutting their losses and getting whatever they can? I don't know. What I do know, is that this is a chance I would be willing to take.

The Jets now have a ridiculously talented receiving corps in Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards, and Holmes. Cotchery is the only one without off-the-field issues and he is now probably going to be put in the slot. Mark Sanchez now has plenty of targets to throw to including Dustin Keller. Don't expect outrageous numbers though because Sanchez is still only a second year player with a second year head coach. I would definitely expect some sort of improvement though. Gotta love Gang Green.

Rodgers That