So anyway, there's this shortstop named Derek Jeter who plays for this team called the New York Yankees, and this guy Jeter is going to collect his 3,000th hit pretty soon and some people seem to think it's kind of a big deal.

Well, it is a big deal. Around here, anyway. In the game's long, long history, only 27 players have collected 3,000 hits and all of them are (or will be, someday) in the Hall of Fame (yes, even Pete Rose and Rafael Palmeiro).

Entering Monday night's game against the Cleveland Indians, Jeter is just seven short of the magic mark. In that contest, he'll face Indians starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco. Next, the Yankees host the Texas Rangers in a three-game series and are scheduled to face Alexi Ogando, Derek Holland and C.J. Wilson.

Obviously, every Yankees fan -- not to mention Jeter himself, no doubt -- is hoping he'll reach 3,000 against the Rangers. But if not, he'll likely get there during the Yankees' weekend visit to Wrigley Field, a fine setting for a historic achievement.

Please watch this space for regular updates. And for much more about Derek Jeter and the Yankees, please visit Pinstripe Alley.