JETER CALLS A PRESS CONFERENCE - SHOULD FANS BE WORRIED?

Today Derek Jeter is going to talk at a press conference.  This will be the first real time we have heard from Derek since the team broke spring training camp and the regular season started.  The time between then and now has been filled with ups and downs for both Jeter and Yankee fans.  The latest set back came last week when we learned that DJ has another hairline fracture in his surgically repaired ankle.  So what many Yankee fans are wondering - why now? So, should fans be worried about what Derek will say later today?

Possibly. We know he's not expected to come back until after the all star break.  All updates regarding his health and his expected return have come from the Yankees.  Derek is notorious for never wanting to discuss his injuries - especially this one.  In addition, the Yankees were just in Tampa Bay, where Derek has been rehabbing.  Yet, the press conference is scheduled for today at Yankee Stadium.  Granted the Yankees are back home for a series against the Blue Jays; but why not just have the presser in Tampa.  Well one could say it's because any big announcement always comes at Yankee Stadium. Generally, reporters will speculate what will be announced at something like this.  They have a general idea of the nature of the press conference. However, there really has been none of that this time.  Even the YES broadcasters have said very little as to what the reason for Derek speaking is.  Can it be those close to the organization, including reporters, already know and told not to say a word?  Conspiracy theorists would say yes. Some are wondering if Derek will say the "R" word.  Is it possible Derek is announcing his retirement? (Pause for gasps).

Honestly, I don't know what he will say.  I would be surprised if he did announce his retirement like that now.  Derek is always more about the team than himself.  An announcement like that could be seen as a disruption to the other players, as they would be constantly asked to comment on his retirement. Also, like Mariano, I don't think he wants to the last memory people have of him as being carried off the field last October.  My guess is this has more to do with the rest of this season than his career. But then again nothing really surprises me any more when it comes to baseball or the world in general for that matter. And I also have been known to be wrong once or twice before.  I guess we all just have to sit tight and wait for Derek to speak later today.

As usual, GO YANKEES!