Happy Thursday, everyone! This particular Thursday is apparently an important family day, so I don't plan to be around much, but that doesn't mean there isn't news to share.
McCovey Chronicles (Giants), Viva El Birdos (Cardinals), and Gaslamp Ball (Padres) have all bounced ideas around in the last few days of who could fill their vacancies at shortstop. Derek Jeter's name didn't come up. No market= no contract.
Dave Cameron writes that Jeter finds himself in the Manny Ramirez position, a player without leverage, offered a respectable deal by the only team that wants him.
The NYTimes profiles agent Casey Close and recaps the current state of negotiations.
Given the current state of affairs, The Post speculates that Cliff Lee could be a Yankee before Jeter re-signs. Certainly not impossible.