Derek Jeter

Okay, well, ESPN just EXPLODED today with Derek Jeter talk. So if you have been away for a few days he had a pitch come inside, go off the handle of his bat and faked getting hit by the ball... The umps bought it and he took first base. In the end the Rays ended up beating the Yankees ANYWAY. So I don't see what the big deal is.
     Number one, this type of thing happens all the time. On all levels...High school, college, minors pros. Not only does this happen in baseball, but it happens in every single sport (just in its own way). Its all about getting an edge over your opponent. Not a big deal. They are playing within the rules of the game. The rules state that if a player is hit by a pitch he takes his base. Who determines if a batter was hit by a pitch? The umpire. The umpire in this case said "yes Derek Jeter got hit" So he takes his base. So don't blame Derek Jeter. What do you want him to do?.... "Uh...Mr. umpire...I did NOT in fact get hit by that pitch, I should not be rewarded with first base."  Sorry...Those words will never come out of a pro athletes mouth. If they ever did, the guy wouldn't make it to the pro level. He wouldn't have a competitive enough mindset.
     But back to the umpire for a minute. If you want to blame someone blame the umps. They are the ones that blew it. And just because Derek Jeter acted like he got hit, does not mean the ump says "oh ok well i guess he got hit, take your base." Not how it works. EXAMPLE:

There you have it. Umps don't go with what the player says.  This kind of thing happens all the time and it is just an example of ESPN turning a non story and something that doesn't matter into something that resembles WWII to them. Its rediculious.
   The next time I hear someone say "that is cheating" or "that just sets a awful example to kids" I say...Good for you Derek Jeter.