NEW YORK -- They're in first place. Again. Or should the word "again" be prefaced, as in "once again?" The current standings seem accurate enough, unless some twisted hacker has been playing "Poseidon Adventure" with them. As they appear, they should prompt a few double takes and a loud "what?" spoken in an incredulous tone. Their standing is at least borderline startling.
Derek Jeter is Captain-emeritus. The rest of the Core Four has reached that comfy, middle-aged stage that is rightfully identified as rest for the Core Four. Even Bernie Williams is officially retired now, and Paul O'Neill hasn't battered a water cooler in more than a decade.