New York Yankees

On July 9th, 2011, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter not only collected his 3,000th career hit but added to his collection of haters who will not appreciate his career because he did it as a Yankee.

As Jeter took a lengthy pitch battle with Tampa Bay Rays pitcher, David Price, social media networks were flowing like crazy waiting to publish their personal thoughts on the incredible feat. 

The buzz of tonight's sports world is Derek Jeter's 3,000th career hit. To all of baseball, this is a monumental moment. In today's MLB, it's even more of one.

At long last, New York City can breathe again now that Derek Jeter is officially a member of the 3,000-hit club.

Derek Jeter hit his 3,000 hit today, an extra special feat considering he's not just another baseball player, but rather the captain of the New York Yankees, the most successful franchise in the history of sports.

And not only is Jeter the captain of the New York Yankees, but he's the first player in the history of the franchise to reach 3,000 hits. Not Joe DiMaggio, not Mickey Mantle, not Babe Ruth, not Lou Gehrig, but Derek Jeter.

On Monday, New York Yankee captain Derek Jeter is expected to make his return from the 15-day DL against the Cleveland Indians.  The veteran is six hits away from 3,000 for his career.  Upon reaching that milestone, he will become the first New York Yankee to accomplish that feat.

Fly ball, left field.  It's heading for no-man's land down the line, surely a blooping base-hit by Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon, giving them an extra-inning lead in what is already an instant classic in the Bronx.  One player had different ideas.  Out of the hole at shortstop comes Derek Jeter, storming for the ball at full-speed.  He reaches up over his head, snags the third out, and promptly crashes into the second row.

New York's baseball history is rich with history dating back well over a century with multiple teams always battling for the Big Apple's spotlight.  For the last 50 years, the same two teams have drawn the border through the city.  Both the Mets and Yankees have produced Hall-of-Famers and championships, but also players who have donned each uniform.   Here are five of the best to play in Queens and the Bronx.

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This is a slideshow on the top 10 Yankee performers right now.  Keep in mind that the entire show is not based on past seasons' performances.  It is only based on the future, which I think is the most relevant tool that we can look to at this point.  Thus, don't be surprised if you see some major names kept off of this list.

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The Yankees' rotation has been on fire of late, turning in seven straight quality starts and allowing just eight earned runs over the past 50 innings for a 1.44 ERA.

That streak should be tested this weekend as the first-place Bombers battle the Blue Jays, one of the better offensive teams in baseball.

Let's take a look at the pitching matchups for this three-game series.

All those who are New York Yankee fans remember the frustration we felt with the stupid Joba Rules a couple of years ago.

For those who may not remember, the Yankee brass, led by general manager Brian Cashman, decided they were going to limit the number of innings Joba Chamberlain would pitch as a starter.