31.   The best shortstop of all is a distant fourth.

32.   The relay throw got to catcher Terry Steinbach before Garciaparra got to the plate, but the shortstop was able to slide beneath the tag.

33.   The shortstop is Derek Jeter.

34.   The shortstop is Mark Grudzielanek.

35.   The shortstop is aware that the closer replacement baseball comes, the more intense the debate will be about his role in the battle.

36.   The Red Sox shortstop should be a cinch for Rookie of the Year.

37.   The starting shortstops are the longest of tooth on both squads in terms of All-Star seniority.

38.   The shortstop has been in a slump for a couple of weeks, but he remains the main man in the middle of this Yankee dynasty.

39.   There is one shortstop of note who is that tall, Cal Ripken Jr., but no second basemen of similar stature.

40.   When he left, the shortstop was John Valentin.