WHY JETER GETS A PASS

(Photo: Getty)
Derek Jeter is a 3000 hit machine fresh off a calf injury. After being selected by the fans to be a part of the All-Star game, he’s respectively declined and will rest up in preparation for the second half of the season. Guess what? I’m OK with that.

Let me ask you a question, why are “anonymous” Major League Baseball officials speaking out saying how unhappy they are that Derek Jeter didn’t attend the All-Star game tonight? If they’re that upset about it, reveal yourself, for 1. (Photo: Getty)

For 2, there is so much more Major League Baseball should be upset about, like, for instance, trying to figure out a way 23 year old Christian Lopez doesn’t get screwed into paying taxes all because he happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time at Yankee Stadium on Saturday at 2pm when Jeter‘s 3000^th hit sailed into his hands.

Here’s a great idea, reach out to Lopez, and let him know you are about to give him a gift. And if it’s not only going to come from you, split it with Jeter and the Yankees. Pay this kid for this mess he’s in. All he did was show up to Yankee Stadium, a Major League Baseball club, and buy a ticket that pays the salary of Derek Jeter, a Major Leaguer and watch him hit his 3000^th hit. Would it kill you to stop being so damn greedy and rather channel your energy in the direction of poor Christian Lopez? Give Jeter a pass this time. For the record, Bug Selig has stated that he understands why Jeter has declined. So I’m not going to go after Bud here, but whoever is speaking out of turn and turning this All-Star game into a circus should be reprimanded.

Derek Jeter is getting hammered from selected ballplayers too, who, may I suggest should do what Jeter does when asked about other players, say nothing. Shame on someone like Lance Berkman who said this “I don’t think it’s my place to speak for others, But for me personally, if you get selected to be here, you have an obligation. You gotta be here.” Lance, I like you, I respect you but you should have stopped at “I don’t think it’s my place to speak for others.” You have it wrong. Yes, players have an obligation, but you also have a choice. Can you imagine if Derek Jeter opened his mouth about a player not showing up to an All-Star Game? Well, you wouldn’t because there’s something called class and Jeter has it.

(Photo: Getty)

Many Yankee fans, me included, could care less if Jeter plays or even shows up in Phoenix tonight. Why? Because we got what we wanted…3000 hits. Yes, the fans voted him in, and next year, maybe this “incident” could affect the voting for him, but let’s be honest, while it’s exciting to watch the All-Star game, it’s downright dangerous to have your players play hard for a team they are voted in for and not officially signed to. If those elites get hurt, they screw their own team the second half and I worry a lot about that.

Now, the Yankees are representing tonight with Curtis Granderson, David Robertson, Russell Martin, Robinson Cano and Mariano Rivera and to me, while I’d love to see Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter there, I’m fine with them taking the night off. Why? Well, because the second half of the season is way more important than a meaningless All-Star game.

Sorry you “anonymous” MLB official, you got it dead wrong and you’re speaking out of turn. Keep your mouth shut and play your game, and at the end of the day you can still honor Derek Jeter and you should, because that’s what you’re supposed to do, or better yet, make an announcement tonight that Christian Lopez will be rescued for his tax trouble. Refocus your negative energy on that mess, and make it a positive, won’t you? It’s the least you can do.

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