When the New York Yankees call a news conference for 4 p.m. before a road game, there really is no telling what might come of it. If they're not firing someone, they're trading someone. If they're not firing or trading someone, they're announcing a cable deal that will allow them to buy the world.

Derek Jeter being named the 11th captain in Yankees history is big news in New York, which makes you wonder they announced it here. "The Boss . . . decided now was the time and place," explained Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.

A blue-and-white Yankees banner hung incongruously over a red-curtained wall in the ground-floor interview room at Great American Ball Park. A roomful of New York media asked Jeter if he'd seek advice on how to handle such a lofty position. Like he was cliff-diving in Acapulco or something. Maybe the next time the Reds are in New York, they could name a captain in Monument Park.

"I'd like to thank The Boss for giving me this title," Jeter said.

Is there something in all Yankees contracts that says they have to refer to George Steinbrenner as The Boss? Cashman and Jeter did it. So did manager Joe Torre. I thought Springsteen was The Boss. He and my wife.

PHOTO GALLERY

Photos of Tuesday's game

A few minutes earlier, just down the hall, Junior Griffey was mounting a plaque on the wall above his two lockers:

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted and used against you."

Griffey shrugs off rumor

OK. Whatever. "Rumor had you traded to the Yankees today at 4," someone said. Griffey shrugged, checked the clock on the wall. "In 13 minutes, I'm going to be traded," he said to Adam Dunn.

Until early Tuesday afternoon, that was the local suspicion. A player once considered untouchable was now considered the most likely to be dealt. The Reds would send him to the only place big enough for his salary and his once-glowing starpower.

They'd get a pitcher in return, perhaps Jeff Weaver, a prospect and the relief of dumping a huge-for-the-Reds salary. Why else would the New York Yankees have a press conference in Cincinnati? Not to name a captain.

The Boss was mad at his hirelings. His center fielder is on the disabled list. Bernie Williams' replacement, Hideki Matsui, has looked like a left fielder playing center.

We thought a Junior deal was within the realm of possibility. That was a little nuts, but not as nuts as this: A deal made perfect sense, providing ownership used Griffey's wages on a starting pitcher.

Unless the Reds start playing slow-pitch softball, they have one more everyday outfielder than they can use. As it is, somebody - usually Dunn or Jose Guillen - looks at the lineup card and is ticked off.

One position player is not going to make or break a baseball team. The Yankees named Jeter their first captain since 1995. In the 36 games Jeter missed with a dislocated shoulder in April and May, the Bombers were 25-11. Before Tuesday's game, they were 7-12 with him. Since Griffey's return from the same injury, the Reds were 7-10. Two of baseball's all-time greats can't win games by themselves.

In the end, the improbable rumor was just that. Jeter got the honorary "C," Junior got his customary third spot in the Reds' order. The Boss got his press conference. In Cincinnati.

Of course.

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E-mail pdaugherty@enquirer.com