Postseason life without Derek Jeter will go on

When a baseball game features better players, then the level of play is better. Victor Martinez is injured, as is Mariano Rivera, Brian Wilson and Rafael Furcal. Likewise, imagine St. Louis with Albert Pujols in the lineup. Think about the Yankees with Jorge Posada in his prime. The Tigers should have kept Fernando Rodney. Ponder a Giants team with hologram Willie Mays in the outfield.

But they don’t have those players, and others have taken their place. Some have been great, others ... not so much, but all are notable.

So, sure, by the measure that Jayson Nix is the Yankees shortstop, a postseason is better with Derek Jeter. Until Nix gets the winning hit.