Jeter-ball turns tables on Twins

The New York Yankees' standout finds ways to win at playoff time.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Derek Jeter turned a season that started with a terrible slump into one of the best in his accomplished 10-year career.
Just ask Joe Torre.
"I don't think there is any question," the New York Yankees manager said. "You watch him every day -- he just seems to take the responsibility and he knows what to do with it."
Sure, Jeter's statistics -- .292 average, 23 homers, 78 RBIs, 23 steals -- have turned out better. But as one of the longest-tenured players in New York, Jeter has helped ease newcomers like Alex Rodriguez and Gary Sheffield into the clubhouse.
He made only 12 errors, his lowest total since 1998, and overcame an 0-for-32 April slump that was the longest by a Yankees batter in 27 years. And as he always does, Jeter produces in the playoffs -- while setting an example for teammates with his treat-them-like-all-the-other-games approach.
Stakes higher
"I think it's the only approach you can take," he said Thursday. "Baseball is baseball, whether it's in April or in October. It's just the stakes are a little bit higher."
They were high on Wednesday night, when the Minnesota Twins were two outs from taking a commanding lead in the first-round AL playoff series. Instead, Jeter drew the second walk issued by Joe Nathan in the 12th inning and scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Hideki Matsui that was hit directly at Jacque Jones in shallow right field.
But Jeter took off for the plate, Jones' throw didn't have much on it and New York salvaged a split.
"There are many ways to win games," Jeter said. "It doesn't necessarily have to be a home run."
Game 3 is tonight, with Kevin Brown pitching for the Yankees against Minnesota's Carlos Silva. Just hours after the devastating defeat, the tired Twins remained upbeat and unshaken -- confident this team won't roll over in the next two games like it did in the same situation last year.
Hunter's observation
"I've just got this feeling," center fielder Torii Hunter said. "I can't explain it. I look at the guys, and I see them talking and laughing and joking. They're not like quiet and seeming like they're scared. These guys are ready to play."
After a similar split at Yankee Stadium last year, New York outscored Minnesota 11-2 in the next two days to earn an AL championship series matchup with Boston. The Twins insisted they aren't in awe of baseball's highest-paid team, which had the best record in the American League at 101-61.
"They are not intimidated by anything," Torre said.
Game 1 winner Johan Santana, 13-0 in his last 15 regular season starts, threw a light bullpen session Thursday that went well and appears ready to pitch in Saturday's Game 4 -- on three days rest for the first time in his career.