Jeter the Thespian

The Yankees-Rays series that ended with a Tampa Bay win on Wednesday night was electrifying baseball. Even as Rays' fans continued their frustrating inability to fill Tropicana Field to capacity-----further solidifying the long-held notion that Florida professional sports fans are entirely apathetic-----every pitch had the feel of Game 7 of the ALCS. After the Rays win, they hold a one-half game lead over the Bronx Bombers in the AL East. Joe Maddon's team is playing spectacular baseball, and with the likes of Carl Crawford, B.J. Upton, Evan Longoria, and Cy Young-favorite David Price, the Rays have to be considered the American League favorites at this juncture. The Yankees, however, are in safe territory, as they hold a six-and-a-half game lead in the wild-card over the soon-to-be-dead Boston Red Sox. With their relatively secure playoff position, Derek Jeter has an option: Continue to play every day at shortstop for the remainder of the regular season, or take some time off before the postseason and audition for the leading role in David Mamet's next Broadway play. Because the Yankee captian put on an acting clinic on Wednesday night

Jeter's admitted performance-----acting like he was hit by a Chad Qualls fastball in the seventh inning of a hotly contested game, when he himself knew that the ball hit his bat-----has stirred an enormous wave of controversy. Many people are angered that the classy Jeter resorted to what they view as cheap performance tactics to sell a call. Some have even gone as far as to say that Derek Jeter is a cheat. Ladies and gentlemen, today I hope to be the voice of reason. Calm down, relax, and take a deep breath, because I am here to give a reasoned assessment of Jeter's actions. At the risk of waffling on the issue, allow me to take a centrist stance.

Is Jeter a cheat? Of course not. He was simply trying to help his team win. Jeter is a class act and a consummate professional, and his acting was motivated by his genuine desire to spark a Yankees rally. Even Rays manager Joe Maddon expressed admiration after the game, saying that, "If our guys had did it, I would have applauded that. It's a great performance on his part." Jeter didn't break any rules; he was simply using his veteran wisdom to gain his team an edge. However, based on principle, I am not the biggest fan of flopping in sports. Every time I see Manu Ginobli flail to the ground after gentle contact in the NBA, for instance, I wince at a display of performance art, a display that I would like to see disappear in the sports arena. The very essence of flopping in sports cheapens its competitive value. Players shouldn't feel the need to channel their inner Pacino in order to win; they should rely on pure athletic prowess.

So there you have it. I do not begrudge Derek Jeter for doing his part to help his team win. I just hope that if a similar situation arises in the future, he will choose to restrain his inner Pacino.