A-Rod vs. Derek Jeter: High Stakes Poker Game

New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez will be talking to Major League Baseball investigators about his alleged involvement in high stakes poker games.  It's likely that Rodriguez wasn't playing in a friendly household game and bringing his $300 million Goldman Sachs bankroll to handle the up and down swings.

I believe it's time for a poker table to be set up on the Yankee Stadium infield and let Rodriguez and Derek Jeter play five hands in heads-up fashion.

It's time to shuffle up and deal!

All-Star Appearances

Alex Rodriguez wins this hand by being named an All-Star 14 times in his career, including seven of his eight seasons with the Bronx Bombers.  Jeter is a 12-time All-Star and has been chosen or voted in by the fans for six straight years.

Contract

The left side of the New York Yankees infield will make $46,726,364 during the 2011 season and 68 percent of that will land into Alex Rodriguez's wallet. 

Rodriguez wins this hand by a wide margin due to his 10-year, $275 million contract that he signed in December 2007.  Don't feel sorry for Derek Jeter, who will pocket at least $16 million for the next three years.

Girlfriends

A poker broadcaster would likely use the term "The Nuts" when describing Derek Jeter's hole cards for this particular hand.

Jeter has been dealt pocket aces for quite some time and has never lost.  The list includes Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Adriana Lima, Vanessa Minnillo and currently, Minka Kelly.

Alex Rodriguez is starting to get better hands dealt in his direction, as Cameron Diaz is definitely a pair of Ladies.

Fan Support

Being known as the "Yankee Captain" is similar to landing a royal flush on the river.  Derek Jeter is arguably the most beloved player in franchise history and his No. 2 jersey already has its place in Monument Park.

Alex Rodriguez has won an MVP award in pinstripes and also played a huge role in the club's last World Series win, but historical, fans will never place him on the upper mantle of franchise greats.

Hall of Fame

Both are going to end up with winning hands, but Alex Rodriguez may have to get there with an ace up his sleeve if the Baseball Writers Association of America tries to make a statement.  With or without the help of performance enhancing drugs, the numbers are simply staggering with 626 home runs and 1,883 RBIs at the age of 36.

Jeter is a lock at reaching Cooperstown in first ballot fashion and continues to silence critics with his inside-out swing.  With over 3,000 hits and five World Series rings, it's like being dealt "The Nuts" every night for the kid out of New Jersey.