Jets' Moves After Day 2

First, the New York Jets signed linebacker Bart Scott to a six-year, $48 million deal. Scott and Rex Ryan will be reunited.

Scott's presence in any defense is well-known. Him in Rex Ryan's defense makes him an even more prominent player. Scott will replace Eric Barton at the inside linebacker position, who is a free agent. Scott will also play alongside David Harris, the Jets' 2007 second round pick.

Also, the Jets traded a fifth round draft choice in 2010 and another conditional draft pick in 2011 to the Eagles for veteran cornerback Lito Sheppard.

Sheppard faced limited playing time last season with the arrival of Asante Samuel and the concerning money he was receiving. Mid-way through the season, Joselio Hanson replaced him and Sheppard sat on the bench.

Sheppard will play opposite pro-bowler Darrelle Revis and will compete with last year's fourth round pick, Dwight Lowery, for the starting job at cornerback, unless the Jets decide to draft someone.

Sheppard fills the void at cornerback for the draft, but does not satisfy the needs in the secondary. The Jets still have a hole at strong safety, but Sheppard will help the cornerback position. Lowery blew many coverages last season and Sheppard may be able to play better and/or mentor Lowery.

Also, the Jets released wide receiver Laveranues Coles earlier this week due to salary issues. Coles was making roughly $6 million and the Jets needed more salary cap room.

The Jets did say they were open to resigning Coles, but for less money.

With the recent moves, the Jets made their focus in the draft more clear than it was. They could have drafted a number of players with their #17 pick, between cornerbacks, wide receivers, and possibly even a quarterback. Trading for Sheppard and releasing Coles makes the Jets more likely to pick a wide receiver rather than a cornerback, but nothing is for sure until draft day.

Official WBC Rosters

Before, I posted the preliminary rosters for the 2009 World Baseball Classic in March. Here are some notable players on each country for the final rosters:

United States: Jake Peavy, Roy Oswalt, Joe Nathan, BJ Ryan, JJ Putz, Brian McCann, Dustin Pedroia, Derek Jeter, Chipper Jones, David Wright, Jimmy Rollins, Kevin Youkilis, Ryan Braun, Grady Sizemore

Canada: Russell Martin, Justin Morneau, Joey Votto, Jason Bay, Matt Stairs, Mark Teahen

Cuba: Yulieski Gonzalez, Yulieski Gourriel, Ariel Prestano

Dominican Republic: Pedro Martinez, Edinson Volquez, Johnny Cueto, Ubaldo Jimenez, Edwar Ramirez, Jose Veras, Willy Aybar, Adrian Beltre, Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez, Hanley Ramirez, Jose Reyes, Miguel Tejada, David Ortiz

Japan: Daisuke Matsuzaka, Yu Darvish, Shunsuke Watanabe, Kenji Johjima, Akinori Iwamura, Ichiro Suzuki, Kosuke Fukudome

Mexico: Oliver Perez, Joakim Soria, Jorge Cantu, Alfredo Amezaga

Puerto Rico: Jonathan Sanchez, Javier Vazquez, Yadier Molina, Ivan Rodriguez, Geovany Soto, Mike Aviles, Carlos Delgado, Carlos Beltran, Alex Rios, Bernie Williams

Venezuela: Felix Hernandez, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Silva, Francisco Rodriguez, Miguel Cabrera, Bobby Abreu, Carlos Guillen, Magglio Ordonez

Misc.: Frank Catalanotto (Italy), Nick Punto (Italy), Shin-Soo Choo (Korea), Sidney Ponson (Netherlands)
---------------------------------------------
-The US still has the most well-rounded team out there, I believe. They have pitching, hitting, defense, and speed. It all combines for a nice team.

-The Dominican Republic still has the best offense imaginable. Though Albert Pujols declined due to the lack of insurance, A-Rod, Hanley, Reyes, and Ortiz is a scary lineup.

-Venezuela's pitching is still top-of-the-line, despite losing Johan Santana. K-Rod should pitch often late and Zambrano can pitchoften too.

-The Bernie Williams headline is a nice story to focus on. The former Yankee was mistreated by the Yankees' front office, but went back to college to focus on his music career. Williams has still been playing baseball and has still openly said he would be willing to join a team during the season.

-Don't overrate Puerto Rico. Quietly, they put together a solid lineup with Beltran, Delgado, Rios, and Pudge.

-Japan and Cuba, like always, will have stellar teams, despite not having big-name players on their rosters.

The World Baseball Classic begins play March 5th and ends on the 23rd.

The Cousin is Real

ESPN Deportes reports the cousin Alex Rodriguez said in his press conference Tuesday is real. His name is Yuri Sucart.

When ESPN Deportes called Sucart's residence in Florida, his wife picked up and did not deny the allegations.

"My husband has nothing to say," she said. "What A-Rod said at the press conference is what happened and that is all."

This proves that Rodriguez was telling the truth about his cousin supplying him with "boli" from the Dominican Republic from 2001-03.

According to Amy Nelson of ESPN, a friend close to Rodriguez says he and his cousin were very close to eachother.

"He did what Alex told him to. He was only looking out for Alex," his friend said. "He is not a guy who would take the initiative to go out and buy drugs. Alex said during the press conference that his cousin just did what was asked."

Alex Rodriguez Press Conference (live blogging)

Sorry that it is a bit late, but here is my live blog of the Alex Rodriguez press conference

Update 2:00 pm- That was a question a lot of people would ask steroid users; everyone linked to steroids should be asked that.

Update 2:01 pm- Again, another interesting question. Coming to NY would certainly add pressure, but he stopped because they (the league) initiated a steroid policy

Update 2:03 pm- Apparently Alex believes in the 'placebo affect' with his water example.

Update 2:03 pm- It seems like Rodriguez has been dodging bullets. He has said "it is not up for me to determine" a few times now.

Update 2:06 pm- Ever since his interview with Gammons, A-Rod has been trying to tell children across the globe to not take steroids. Yes, he's trying to be an inspiration, but it is as if he wants to avoid some of the bigger questions.

Update 2:08 pm- He said he was unaware that they were steroids, a little bit like Barry Bonds (unknowingly took them)...

Update 2:09 pm- Very good question, asking about "why not do some research about the substances."

Update 2:09 pm- Mark Feinsand asked another great question regarding the homerun record.

Update 2:10 pm- Hannah Storm asked a great question about HGH and amphetamines. A-Rod denied HGH but did not fully deny amphetamine use.

Update 2:11 pm- "It will be the best season of our lives." - Alex Rodriguez

Update 2:15 pm- I'm glad I take Spanish in school, but the other reporters must be baffled by what she asked.

Update 2:18 pm- Joel Sherman questioned Alex's knowledge about the drug and his reasoning for his use; another great question

Update 2:19 pm- Alex (again) blames his young age and being naive about the situation for taking it and then stopping.

Update 2:25 pm- Another "that's not for me to decide" response to a question by Rodriguez...

Update 2:27 pm- Looks like A-Rod's portion of the news conference is finished. Time for Girardi and Cashman.

Overall, A-Rod's answers were a bit disappointing. He dodged a lot of questions and did not answer some of them to the fullest. He did not tell the "complete truth" on some of them by saying "I haven't given much thought about it" or "that's not up for me to decide."

2009 New York Yankees' Roster (as of now)

Projected Roster:
C: Jorge Posada
1B: Mark Teixeira
2B: Robinson Cano
3B: Alex Rodriguez
SS: Derek Jeter
LF: Johnny Damon
CF: Melky Cabrera
RF: Xavier Nady
DH: Hideki Matsui

Bench:
Jose Molina
Nick Swisher
Brett Gardner
Angel Berroa

Rotation:
CC Sabathia
Chien-Ming Wang
A.J. Burnett
Joba Chamberlain
Andy Pettitte

Bullpen:
Mariano Rivera
Damaso Marte
Brian Bruney
Phil Coke
Edwar Ramirez
Jose Veras
Alfredo Aceves/Jon Albaladejo

Minor Leaguers who may make an impact:
Phil Hughes
Austin Jackson (OF)
Humberto Sanchez
David Robertson
Mark Melancon
Jon Albaladejo/Alfredo Aceves

Selig Might Punish Rodriguez

An ESPN report states that baseball commissioner Bud Selig might consider punishing Yankees' 3B Alex Rodriguez for his prior steroid use.

"It was against the law, so I would have to think about that. It's very hard. I've got to think about all that kind of stuff," Selig told the USA Today.

This would just be an immoral thing to do if Selig does punish Rodriguez. For one, the steroids were not illegal at the time and if caught, a player would not be subject to any penalties whatsoever.

Second, it was only in the past and he has not failed a drug test since 2004 (allegedly). If he failed a test and that was reported, Rodriguez would be suspended fifty games.

Also, if Rodriguez is punished for his prior drug abuse, what about all the players named in the Mitchell Report? What about the other 103 players who failed drug tests in 2003? Would they face suspensions as well for taking performance-enhancing drugs? It would not be right for Selig to suspend the one player whose name was leaked out.

Rodriguez should not be suspended for his prior usage of performance-enhancing drugs. If he is, Selig will be criticized even more than he is already. Selig let an All-Star Game end in a tie in 2002 when there were no more bench players. That decision haunted him in the 2008 All-Star Game when the fans and the broadcasters wondered if that game would too end in a tie.

If Alex Rodriguez was suspended, it would be completely wrong for baseball.

Favre set to Retire

For the second time in as many years, Brett Favre will retire. This one, though, could be for good.

Favre informed the Jets that his time was up. "My time with the Jets was short, but I was honored to be given that chance," Favre said.

This will be the end to a glorious career for one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

In Favre's eighteen year career, he threw 464 touchdowns, the most in NFL history. He won Super Bowl XXXI with the Green Bay Packers over the New England Patriots, his only Super Bowl win.

For the Jets, they will have some freed up salary cap space to sign some draft picks and/or other free agents. There have been rumors that linebacker Ray Lewis might head to the Jets when he can, but that is up to the organization.

The Jets have a few options at quarterback: stick with Kellen Clemens, sign an experienced quarterback, or draft someone.

Kellen Clemens was the Jets' quarterback in 2007 after Chad Pennington flopped. Clemens has not played much since, but he did sit back and learn from Brett Favre. Clemens was subject to some poor offensive line support in 2007 when the Jets did not have Alan Faneca or Damien Woody. Wide receiver Justin McCareins also dropped a lot of Clemens' passes when they were on the same team.

If the Jets decide to dig through the free agent pool, there is always Kurt Warner. Warner led the Arizona Cardinals to Super Bowl XLIII, but he is 38 years old and has contemplated retirement. Kerry Collins could be another option. Collins led the Tennessee Titans to the best regular season record in the NFL in 2008, without premier wide receivers. The downside with Collins is he is also an old veteran QB and did not throw as much passes because of Tennessee's stellar running game.

Then, there is the draft. Matt Stafford and Mark Sanchez are extremely doubtful to fall to the Jets at the #17 slot in the draft, but the Jets could sign someone in the second round. Former Ball State quarterback Nate Davis could be the answer. He is ranked as the fourth best QB in the 2009 draft class behind Stafford, Sanchez, and Josh Freeman. Davis has an above average arm and he projects to be a solid quarterback.

Will he be Forgiven?

We saw how Andy Pettitte and Jason Giambi apologized to the media about their previous steroid use. We also saw how they were treated afterwards.

Pettitte let the situation drag on for the beginning of the season, but by June of last year the situation went away and it seemed as though he was forgiven.

Jason Giambi also let the situation drag on for a while, but it took him some time for forgiveness. The fans and the media did not forgive and forget about Giambi's steroid use. But when we look at today, it seems like his name has been cleared, despite the fact that we all know his abuse.

Alex Rodriguez is a different story though. He grabs much more media attention than both players. He signed the two largest contracts in Major League Baseball history. He is approaching one of the biggest milestones in the world of sports.

People choose to react differently to similar situations because of the player. Since the player in this situation has been in so much trouble, it is undecided whether he will be forgiven.

Many fans across the globe will continue to view Alex in a negative light, mainly because of his previous reputation, which is downright wrong.

Alex Rodriguez deserves at least a little praise for admitting what he did was wrong.

I have previously commended A-Rod for coming out and admitting his prior use before the situation dragged on too long. His apology was honorable and he deserves respect for it.

A-Rod Admits

Today, Alex Rodriguez admitted to using performance enhancing drugs from 2001 until 2003, while he was with the Texas Rangers. ESPN has the news.

In 2001, he said there was an "enormous amount of pressure" to perform with such high standards. Rodriguez signed a 10-year, $252 million contract after the 2000 season, so it is no wonder why A-Rod would feel the heat.

"I had just signed this enormous contract I felt like I needed something, a push, without over-investigating what I was taking, to get me to the next level."

Rodriguez told ESPN's Peter Gammons about his prior steroid abuse.

"I did take a banned substance. For that, I am very sorry and deeply regretful," Rodriguez said to Gammons.

Additionally, Rodriguez states that in the five seasons with the Yankees, they "have been clean."

I congratulate Alex Rodriguez for coming out and admitting his usage. He took the honorable path and apologized for his wrongdoings.

This still will affect the way people see him, but what people should see is his honor and honesty. He did not lie to anyone (except Katie Couric) but he said what he did was wrong.

A New Thought on A-Rod's Scandal

Yes, Alex Rodriguez was wrong by taking steroids. Yes, he was wrong by lying to Katie Couric on "60 Minutes." But, could the reason for his abuse of steroids be from his agent, Scott Boras?

Scott Boras is a knifing sports agent who wants his clients to get top dollar. He will do whatever he can to make more money for the players he represents. Sometimes, when a player performs at his best, it still is not enough.

And that is where Scott Boras fits in. Boras could be someone who instigated Alex to take the drugs to increase performance. It may not just be Alex too...

Kevin Brown hired Scott Boras as his agent when he still played. Brown was also one of the players named in the Mitchell Report back in 2007. The Mitchell Report says steroid dealer Kirk Radomski sent performance enhancing drugs to Scott Boras' house in order for Brown to use. Boras must have known about that since Brown was once a premier client.

Eric Gagne was also named in the Mitchell Report and also dealt with Scott Boras. Gagne bought human growth hormone (HGH) in 2004, during his historical consecutive saves streak. Boras wanted Gagne to succeed so he would earn a higher contract; Gagne earned a $10 million contract from the Milwaukee Brewers last off season just days before the Mitchell Report was released.

How about Scott Schoeneweis? Schoeneweis, another Boras client, purchased shipments of steroids and used them "as prescriptions." According to the Mitchell Report, the pharmacist who prescribed the steroids to athletes said players came to him "for the purpose of obtaining anabolic steroids."

It does not end there. Rick Ankiel, Ron Villone, Ivan Rodriguez, and Gary Sheffield are all linked to steroids and performance enhancing substances. All were once represented by Scott Boras.

And now Alex Rodriguez has been linked. Rodriguez was also a Boras client. Notice a correlation?

So, was the mastermind Boras responsible for encouraging players to take steroids? Though he will deny it and there is no clear evidence that proves him doing so, it is possible. It is certainly possible.

Who will be the True HR King?

As of now, it is Barry Bonds. In the near future, it may be Alex Rodriguez. Both of them have been associated with performance enhancing substances and anabolic steroids. It is clear baseball fans want a clear name on top of one of the most prestigious sports milestones.

That said, who will be the true all-time homerun leader?

Will it still be Barry Bonds? If Alex Rodriguez suffers injuries or cannot keep up the pace he once reached, than Bonds may hold the record for a long time. Bonds would need help from other players as well.

Will it be Alex Rodriguez? He has put up monstrous numbers throughout his career and if he continues his current rate, he may end up with over 800 career homeruns. He is only 33 and has hit 553 homeruns so far.

What about Albert Pujols? Pujols is only 28 years old and recorded 319 homeruns so far in his career. He averages 42 homeruns per season and has yet to reach his prime. The only thing is, he would need to average 41 homeruns over the next eleven seasons to become the next homerun king. He would be 39 years old if he were to do so, but it is highly unlikely he would put up such numbers as he ages. Pujols' name has not yet been related to steroids and he could be a legitimate "clean" candidate to reach 763.

Why not Ryan Howard? Howard is the fastest player to hit 100 career homeruns and averaged 51 homeruns in the past three seasons. The only downside is Howard is 29 years old and still has not reached the 200-HR plateau. The reason for that is starting his career off slow. The only way Howard can come remotely close to Bonds' record is if he averages 45 homeruns for the next thirteen seasons. It is downright preposterous to believe Howard could hit 45 homeruns at age 42.

Can it be Ryan Braun? He is only 25 and through his two seasons in the bigs, he has hit 73 homeruns. But if Braun plays fifteen more years in the majors, he would need to average over 46 homeruns each season to approach the record. That is the best-case scenario for Braun, and it is extremely doubtful that could happen.

If not Braun, what about his teammate Prince Fielder? Fielder has a better shot than Braun, considering he has 40 more homeruns than him and is a year younger (note: Fielder has been playing in the majors than Braun). Fielder has the genes of a power hitter as his father is Cecil Fielder. But Fielder, a vegetarian, is seen as overweight, which could lead to problems down the road for him. If Fielder plays until he is 40, he needs to average 41 homeruns per season to break the record.

This may be one of the most unlikely names, but what about Manny Ramirez? He is a clubhouse cancer and still has not found a team for the 2009 season, but without a doubt, he is one of the greatest hitters in this era of baseball. Considering he has not been linked to steroids, he may be the best, just like how people consider Pedro Martinez the best pitcher of the steroid era. Ramirez has 527 homeruns as of now. Manny has been seeking a four-year contract, which would have him playing until he is 41 years old. He has shown he can still produce at this age by slugging over .600 and hitting 37 homeruns. The only problem regarding Ramirez is the fact that he has little time left in the majors. He has roughly two very good seasons left in him until he starts to decline. He needs to average 40 homeruns over the next six seasons to approach the record set by Bonds.

Barry Bonds currently holds the record. It is imminent that Alex Rodriguez will surpass the record. Right now, the fans don't want either of them on top of the most esteemed sports record. Sadly, the fans will have to live with that fact for a while.

New Perspectives

Up until yesterday, Alex Rodriguez was viewed as a hero. He was going to be baseball's savior in just a matter of years if/when he passes Barry Bonds' homerun record. He would have erased the asterisk on one of the most glorious records in all of sports.

Now, that asterisk may still be there if/when Alex Rodriguez tops the record.

Baseball fans across the globe are not going to forgive him. Nicknames of "A-Roid" and "A-Fraud" have only begun to be heard.

As if the appalling playoff numbers, strip-club appearances, and Madonna links could not have been bad enough already, his positive steroid test makes it even worse.

There are going to be people saying that "the test was in 2003 and he has not failed a test in the past five years." While that may be true, then why are Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens being crucified by the media for their steroid allegations.

If you think Yankee fans are going to forgive him because he is currently a Yankee, you are incorrect. He was constantly booed in 2005 and 2006 due to poor performances in clutch situations. He is not what Yankee fans would call a "True Yankee."

This entire ordeal is just disappointing to the entire sport. It's frustrating to not only hear more names linked to performance enhancing substances and anabolic steroids, but a name as prominent as Alex Rodriguez. It's too tough to believe.

A-Rod's Options

With the latest steroid allegations, Alex Rodriguez can handle the situation in several manners.

He can apologize for his wrongdoings, ala Jason Giambi. In Giambi's situation, people seemed to forget about his steroid usage as the years went on. Now, it is uncommon for steroids to be attached to his name like white on rice.

He can also admit to the allegations, the Andy Pettitte approach. Pettitte confessed his drug usage and why he did it. He came forward and rightfully admitted what he did. It seems as though people have forgiven Pettitte and can now see him as an "honorable" player even if he used performance enhancers.

A-Rod can also keep denying it, like Roger Clemens. We know how the Clemens situation has turned out thus far, and it is not working in his favor.

He can continue to blame the government for his problems. All steroid tests were supposed to be secret and held anonymous. Someone leaked his name out to the public and that could be Rodriguez's focus.

Alex can also continue to ignore the situation, which he started to do. If he avoids the situation, the media will only pressure him more.

Whatever he does, the way he will be looked at will never be the same.

SI: A-Rod Tested Positive for Steroids in 2003

A Sports Illustrated Report claims All-Star third baseman Alex Rodriguez tested positive for steroids in 2003, while he was with the Texas Rangers.

Rodriguez declined to comment, saying, "you'll have to talk to the union," about the subject. "I'm not saying anything."

A-Rod is one of 104 names on a list of players who tested positive for performance enhancing drugs in 2003, Sports Illustrated also claims.

Before, Alex said he never took any type of performance enhancing substance in his career.

If this report is true, it drastically changes the way people will see him. He is already seen as a player who cannot perform in the clutch and with a lot of off-the-field issues with his wife and Madonna. People will call him a cheater.

Plus, with this report, if Rodriguez nears the all-time homerun record (in the US), there will still be an asterisk on the sport. Barry Bonds' scandal left an asterisk once he surpassed Hank Aaron's all-time record, but when Rodriguez comes close, there will still be constant talk.

This also affects his HOF-position. Before, he was a sure-thing, first-ballot Hall of Famer. Now, this steroid report leaves a huge mark on what was a successful career.

For the record, I would vote in Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens; both of them left baseball legacies that few people in today's game can reach. With the report, I would vote in Alex Rodriguez, but it is not up to me.

Rex and Ray Reunite?

Jet fans expected Rex Ryan to recruit some of his former players when he signed with the Jets. No one expected them to look at Ray Lewis.

Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis will hit NFL free agency in a few weeks. He openly said to the media that there would be no hometown discount for the Ravens if they want to sign him, so it is all fair game in the NFL.

But Lewis said he was interested in joining either the Dallas Cowboys or the New York Jets; the Cowboys because they are America’s team and the T.O. effect; the Jets to be reunited with Rex Ryan.

The Jets are “a young… team that has a lot of talent across the board where if you [add] #52 in that equation, that team goes from being okay to 'Let's go win this.'” Lewis commented. “That scenario by itself is always attractive."

"It's like, wow, if something does happen where I'm not back in Baltimore, hmm, the Jets wouldn't be bad," he added.

Yes, Lewis would greatly impact the Jets’ defense and bring a nice leadership factor to the team. He is very intimidating and will make the defense more intense. However, this move may backfire.

Lewis is a 34-year old linebacker who is passed his prime. He is not as fast as he used to be, nor is he as strong as he used to be. He will need several million dollars for a contract to satisfy him, which would put the Jets very close to the cap limit.

The Jets spent millions of dollars in salary last season, acquiring Brett Favre, Calvin Pace, Kris Jenkins, and Alan Faneca. They do not need to sign Ray Lewis.

The Face of Baseball

Many say the face of baseball is Babe Ruth for his legendary significance towards the game in the early 1900s. Many say the face of baseball is Barry Bonds for being the all-time Homeruns leader and the icon of the steroid scandal. Many say the face of baseball is Alex Rodriguez for his controversy on and off the field.

The face of baseball needs to have it all. He needs to bring attention to the sport. He needs to be skilled. He needs to be dedicated. He needs to play with pride. He needs to make smart decisions. He needs to be reliable. He needs to handle the media attention well.

That person is Derek Jeter.

Jeter has been playing since he was a kid. Even when he was in high school did he show enthusiasm towards the game. He won the Gatorade High School Player of the Year in 1992, a very prestigious award for such a young athlete.

Jeter has always been known as a clutch player, but it all began in the 1996 ALCS against the Baltimore Orioles. Jeter hit the ball to deep right field. Orioles’ outfielder Tony Tarasco tried to catch the ball, but 12-year old Jeffery Maier caught it over the fence instead.

Jeter won the AL ROY award in 1996 with his .314 batting average and 78 RBI. In 2000, Jeter became the first player to win the All-Star Game MVP and the World Series MVP in the same season.

In 2001, his “flip play” became one of the most incredible plays of all-time. A’s player Jeremy Giambi was rounding 3rd base to try and score the game-tying run in the 7th inning. Shane Spencer’s throw missed the cut-off man, when Derek Jeter came out of nowhere, flipped the ball with his backhand to Jorge Posada, to tag Giambi at the plate.

Jeter has never been afraid to dive for a play. July 1, 2004 was one such example. In a critical extra-inning game against the Red Sox, a ball was hit into shallow left field, down the line. There were runners in scoring position and they would have scored had the ball dropped, but Jeter ran all the way from his position, to the line to make the catch. He dove into the stands to make the catch, risking injury, but saving the game for the Yankees.

Derek’s postseason numbers have always been outstanding. He hit .309 with 17 homeruns and an OPS of .846 in his playoff career.

Off the field, Jeter has been seen dating numerous celebrities. He dated Mariah Carey, Jordana Brewster, Scarlett Johansson, Jessica Alba, Adriana Lima, and Minka Kelly for some notables. He and his girlfriends have been all over tabloids for years.

Also off the field, Jeter started his own charity in 1996, called the “Turn 2 Foundation.” His charity tries to help teenagers stay away from drug and alcohol problems.

Jeter’s face has been displayed everywhere, whether it be Nike commercials, Gatorade ads, Gillette Fusion commercials, video game covers, or other advertisements. Derek Jeter is the billboard for baseball.

The face of baseball is not Albert Pujols. Although he is the greatest active player in the game, he does not bring enough attention to the sport or himself.

Derek Jeter is baseball’s icon. He is dedicated to the sport, plays with pride, is clutch, handles the media attention extremely well, and brings attention to the sport. He simply is the face of baseball.

Holmes' Heroics give Steelers Sixth Super Bowl Ring

In heroic fashion, Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers earned their sixth Super Bowl ring over the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. With 35 seconds left, Roethlisberger threw a short bullet to Santonio Holmes by the edge of the end zone for a game-winning touchdown. Holmes' two feet barely stepped in bounds, but still tapped them down and maintained possession for the touchdown.

That was Big Ben's only passing touchdown of the game, and one of the biggest in his 5-year career thus far. Holmes won the Super Bowl MVP award with his 131-yard performance and his game-winning touchdown reception.

Towards the end of the first half, the Cardinals were deep inside Steeler territory, trying to take a 14-10 lead (or tie the game at 10). But Cardinal quarterback Kurt Warner threw a pass to Anquan Boldin that was intercepted by linebacker James Harrison, the NFL Defensive player of the year. Harrison ran the length of the field to not only stop the Cardinals from scoring, but also increase the Steeler lead to 10.

Harrison's pick-six was the longest play in Super Bowl history (100 yards). Desmond Howard's 99-yard kickoff-return in Super Bowl XXXI was the previous record that stood for 12 years.

The Cardinals fought hard, but penalties were very costly; 11 penalties for 106 yards were called. Offensive lineman Mike Gandy was called for three holding penalties when matched up against James Harrison.

Kurt Warner's game was incredible, especially facing a premier Pittsburgh defense. Warner threw for 377 yards, 3 touchdowns, and the 1 interception to James Harrison. This was the first time all year the Steelers allowed over 300 passing yards in a game.

Before Holmes' winning touchdown, the biggest play on the Cardinals' side came with 2:37 left in the 4th quarter. Warner threw a pass to Larry Fitzgerald down the middle of the field and escaped two defensive backs to score a 64-yard touchdown. Fitzgerald was shut down in the first half with only 1 reception for 12 yards, but ended up with 7 catches for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Fellow wide receiver Anquan Boldin said he was fully healthy entering the game and caught 8 passes for 84 yards, but no TDs. Tight end Ben Patrick caught the Cardinals' first touchdown of the game, a 1-yard lob from Warner in the 2nd quarter.

Both teams' running backs did not have a big impact as only 91 rushing yards were recorded by both teams combined. Pittsburgh's Willie Parker ran for 53 yards while Arizona's Edgerrin James ran for 33 yards. Tim Hightower, James' teammate, only had 1 carry that was stopped for no gain.

Cardinals' Darnell Dockett and Steelers' LaMarr Woodley both sacked the opposing QB twice. All other defensive players did not record any sacks.

There have only been 3 head coaches in Pittsburgh Steeler history: Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin. Noll won 4 titles (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) and Cowher won 1 (XL). Now, each of them has won at least one Super Bowl with the Steelers.