These Are No Longer Joe Torre's Yankees

These are no longer Joe Torre's Yankees. I hope Derek Jeter knows that now. He scored on Mark Teixeira's 4th-inning take-out play during last night's game against the Texas Rangers, and after he crossed the plate he looked back at 2nd base with a look of utter surprise (in my opinion). His must know that this would never have happened under the reign of his Precious Mr T. I'm sure he also knows that AJ Burnett's subsequent brush back of Nelson Cruz would never have happened under the reign of his Precious Mr T.

He has to know, if he remembers some other games this season:

* CC Sabathia threw behind an Angels catcher after Jeter was hit by a pitch.

* Burnett made Evan Longoria hit the deck after a Rays pitcher had brushed back Nick Swisher.

* Joe Girardi barked accusations at the Twins first base coach and got into a shouting match with Ron Gardenhire during a series at the Stadium against Minnesota.

* Johnny Damon and Nick Swisher got themselves ejected for arguing balls and strikes.

I know. Getting ejected for arguing balls and strikes is nothing to laud. The point I'm trying to make is that there is a fire to this team that wasn't there under Joe Torre. For twelve years the Yankees were doormats when it came to things like this. Remember Pedro Martinez? How about Roger Clemens? There is no way that this Yankee team would ever allow themselves to be abused by players like that today.

So, accept it, Derek Jeter. These are definitely not your "father's" Yankees.

Bernadette