Opinion

The image of Derek Jeter playing for a team other than the New York Yankees is difficult to visualize. 

Jeter wearing a different uniform (and likely playing a position other than shortstop) would seemingly cause a rip in the fabric of the universe. This is the sort of thing that just isn't supposed to happen.

When the going gets tough, blame it on the manager.

For good or ill, that's how it is in baseball. Managers aren't the ones throwing the pitches or swinging the bats, but it's almost always their fault when things aren't going well.

So it goes this year. The 2012 MLB season has seen several surprise contenders pop up throughout the landscape, and it's also seen some would-be contenders struggle to live up to expectations. As always, their managers are to blame.

Have to give it to some people in today’s sports media. These folks sure knows how to douse the New York Yankees with high-pressured negativity.  

Talk about a core of hacks who have mastered the art of Anti-Pinstripeism.

Here is a ballclub that has fought through injury and at times ineffective pitching to win 11 of its last 15 games.

Here is a team that is on pace for another 90-plus win season and a trip to the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Dodgers must be somewhat relieved that Clayton Kershaw's injury doesn't seem as serious as some people might have feared.

Arizona Diamondbacks' center fielder Chris Young returned to the lineup on Tuesday, but he did not last long. He re-injured his quad on the first play of Arizona's crucial game with the San Diego Padres. 

The USA Today's Bob Nightengale passed along the news Twitter style. 

In the last two weeks of the regular season, every contender in Major League Baseball will be hoping for things to go their way. The league's contenders will take as many lucky bounces and heroes as they can get.

Oh, and hold the goats, please.

We know from recent history and baseball history in general that the baseball gods tend to make it up as they go along in September. Sometimes they bless certain teams. Sometimes they curse teams. All teams can do is hope for blessings.

There's a certain stigma attached to Ryan Braun's name following last year's PED controversy, however, that shouldn't stop the writers from giving him a much deserved, second straight NL MVP Award.

Now before you jump to conclusions, I'm a Reds fan and have no bias favoring Braun. The fact of the matter is that Braun's numbers are far and above every other player in the National League.

For those staying up all hours of the night with the shakes, cigarette ashes sprinkling the floor as your hands quiver from the nerves, Brian Wilson is still Brian Wilson. 

You can call off the support group, because The Beard is doing just fine. 

At least, we think things are fairly status quo for the Giants closer as he continues to come back from injury. 

The 2012 Major League Baseball season has been yet another great year for pitchers, but the good times haven't been enjoyed by all.

At one end of the spectrum, there are some really, really good starting pitchers out there this year. Justin Verlander and David Price are having excellent seasons in the American League, and Gio Gonzalez and R.A. Dickey are having excellent seasons in the National League. Felix Hernandez and Matt Cain have thrown perfect games, and several other pitchers have thrown no-hitters.

Nick Swisher is a good Yankee.

In almost four full seasons, he has a .362 on-base percentage and 101 home runs. He's a decent right fielder and has proven his worth at first base in 2012 while Mark Teixeira deals with a calf injury. He's also a clubhouse and fan favorite.

Unfortunately for Swisher, who has embraced New York, his days as a Yankee are numbered.