Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Rod Barajas and HGH - and there's a live chat today

Not completely unlike Michael Douglas' character in "Wonder Boys," I find myself experiencing blogger's block, unable to come up with fresh ideas for here. Perhaps that captivating tale of my power cord's death threw me off my game.

In any case, this is a busy enough time of year - busy journalistically, if not not in terms of what's actually going on - to simply address the news of the day.

On a day like yesterday, when I know I'll be writing on the same topic as everyone else, I like scouring the Interweb to compare my work to that of my competitors.

I focused on the notion that Jeter should understand the Yankees' policy of not negotiating deals before the old one expires, for it's consistent with his own, bottom-line philosophy.

Going alphabetically, John Harper wondered how tense negotiations with Jeter will get after the season. Steve Henson noted that Jeter took the high road, again. Tyler Kepner opined that Jeter needs the Yankees more than they need him.  Bob Klapisch scrutinized Jeter's revelation - Jeter doesn't say anything by accident - that he felt out the Yankees about an extension this past winter. Joel Sherman offered that Jeter will make sure not to let the talks soil his carefully crafted image. Jayson Stark doesn't 't foresee any speed bumps in the continuation of the Jeter-Yankees marriage.

I also enjoyed Sweeny Murti's take, pointing out that the only worse scenario than Jeter leaving the Yankees might be an early commitment, followed by a Jeter meltdown.

My early prediction as I posted on Twitter: Jeter will re-sign with the Yankees exactly 15 days after the World Series ends. That's the last day of exclusivity the Yankees will have on Jeter.

Neither side is going to want to leap into open free agency. Jeter would have to pretend to be intrigued by other teams, and the Yankees would have to pretend to investigate other options. In both cases, other agents and clubs would have to be wary of being used by the respective parties.

The terms? Again, I think this year largely determines that. A year ago, coming off Jeter's so-so 2008 season, we would've laughed at something like a four-year, $100-million deal. Coming off his stellar 2009, however, that seems eminently reasonable.

Anywho, today will be anohter "Everyone writes the same thing" day, as Alex Rodriguez will check in. I'm going to ask him about his noticeable career pattern of alternating sublime seasons (in the odd-numbered years) with, for him, subpar seasons (in the even-numbered years).

But then I actually took the time to double-check that, and I realized his 2008 season was statistically superior to his 200. We just perceive 2009 as better because of A-Rod's postseason success.

I do think, FWIW, that A-Rod appeared to be in La-La Land in '08, what with the whole Madonna thing, and was particularly disliked by his teammates and superiors that season. Whereas last year, after being humbled, he put on a different, more modest act.

None of that stuff supersedes his performance, mind you - not even close - but I do think it carries some actual weight.

--There's no point in taking literally Jerry Manuel's words about Rod Barajas from yesterday. Barajas is a far better option than Omir Santos. He will be the Mets' first-string catcher.

But still, it once again makes you wonder what in the world Manuel is thinking. Is he honestly not sure who should start at catcher? Is he just giving lip service to Santos? Based on Manuel's extremely shaky game and lineup management last year, you have to be concerned, if you're a Mets fan, that it's the former.

--Excellent story here by Jim Baumbach, who learned that hopes have diminished for a urine test to detect HGH. This saga is going to have some legs.

Bottom line, as we've stated here previously: It's more important to get this right than to hurry it through. If you think that baseball, or any institution, can fully eradicate cheating, then you're a naive control freak.

--Health-care summit? Please. The real action will be here at 3:00, when we have a live chat.