The Next Milestone

I'm already sick of DJ3K*.

Derek Jeter can record his 3000th hit in the Bronx, or in Chicago, or on his PS3. At this point, it's such a fait accompli that I'm over it, and the news cycle is about ready to move on.

So what more interesting goals are on the line for the Yankees this season?

Mariano Rivera is on pace to finish the season with 600 career saves. Could he step it up a little and pass Trevor Hoffman's 601 all-time mark, or will his April choke job (2 blown saves in a single week!) drag this quest on into 2012?

Mark Teixeira is 6 home runs from being the 132nd inductee into the exclusive 300 Home Run Club. This feels a little like Jeter's slog to 3000, as Tex is already 132nd member of the 294 home run club. With no one to pass, how do you really know you're moving forward?

The end of June will mark Damaso Marte's 10th month on the disabled list in 14 regular season months. While Marte is no threat to Carl Pavano's club record 18/19 consecutive months on the DL (July '05- July '08), Marte could match Pavano's mark of playing only 4 months across 3 calendar year mark by convincing Hank Steinbrenner to pick up his option, then staying injured through the entire 2012 season.

Choke-Rod is still 34 home runs from tying Willie Mays for 3rd place all time. Arod has slumped badly since hitting #626 on June 12, a span of 7 ABs at the time of this writing. At that pace, he won't hit #660 ever.

*not intended as a factual statement