Jeter should be at All-Star Game

Perhaps you've heard by now, Derek Jeter of the Yankees got his 3,000th career hit last Saturday, a home run.

He went five-for-five on Saturday, including a game-winning single.

He also played on Sunday but is no where to be found at any of the All-Star festivities in Phoenix. Jeter wasn't at the Home Run Derby Monday night and won't attend tonight's game, either.

Which is a shame.

San Francisco Giants closer Brian Wilson said on Monday — and I agree — that players who are elected or selected to an All-Star team should participate in the festivities unless they are too limited physically to attend. 

Jeter, elected by the fans as the American League’s starting shortstop, recently spent 17 days on the disabled list with a strained right calf. However, he played in the Yankees’ final six games before the All-Star break.

Now he can't play again. At the least, show up, tip your hat to the fans, and then go out to dinner.

“I would say that you would show up, unless you need these three days to recover,” Wilson said. “You are representing your team, so it would be good to be here.''

Jeter said after reaching 3,000 hits that he felt “a lot of pressure” to reach the milestone at his home park, Yankee Stadium. That pressure — and the quick turnaround to the All-Star Game — led to Jeter sticking with his decision to withdraw, a decision he originally made last week, citing his need for rest.

Poor Derek. Wonder if he's going to keep the $500,000 bonus he received from the Yankees for being named to the All-Star team?

— Paul Christian