PATIENCE...

The Yankees won't know the results of Derek Jeter's MRI until later this afternoon, and even then, they will likely consult another opinion before they decide how to proceed. There are rumblings this morning that Jete will not need surgery, but that could just be wishful thinking. All we can do is sit tight and wait.

At least three former teammates who have dislocated their shoulders have called or plan to call Jeter: Gerald Williams of the Marlins, Rondell White of the Padres and the Mets' David Cone. On a conference call with reporters yesterday, Cone said he planned to call Jeter to wish him well.

Cone dislocated his left shoulder while pitching for the Yankees in Kansas City on Sept. 5, 2000. He writhed on the field in excruciating pain but returned before the season ended. Cone said Jeter has more use for his left arm than he did, but he seemed optimistic about a quick recovery.

"If there's one arm you'd like to dislocate, it'd be the left arm," Cone said. "He's going to need it more than I needed mine in terms of pitching or hitting. One of the things you're going to have to guard against is re-injuring it if he comes back too soon, or moving his left arm for any live drives that might come his way. That may present a problem down the road.

"As long as it's safe to play and it doesn't pop out again, I think he's going to be fine, probably a lot quicker than people think."