Derek Jeter ignores Skip Bayless' insinuations

CHICAGO -- Derek Jeter responded with a smile to the insinuation from the co-host of a debate show on ESPN2 that his standout season might be thanks to something other than seeing the ball well.

During yesterday morning's edition of "First Take," co-host Skip Bayless stated he was "shocked" by the season Jeter is having. He added later: "You would have to have your head in the sand or your head somewhere else to not at least wonder, 'How is he doing this?' "

Jeter, who came into Wednesday night leading the majors in hits (168) and hitting .324, shrugged. "I'm not getting involved in this, man," he said. "But I guess you can say whatever you want to say now with no repercussions."

It would come out later in the day that former Yankee Bartolo Colon was hit with a 50-game suspension for testing positive for testosterone and within a week of Melky Cabrera getting caught.

"That's the unfortunate thing," Jeter said. "Anytime things come to light with guys doing things, now you have everybody questioning everything. That's the unfortunate thing."

Jeter paused.

"Maybe Skip should be tested," he smiled.

CC set for Friday start

CC Sabathia maintained from the time he was placed on the DL -- against his wishes -- Aug. 11 with left elbow inflammation that he would start Friday night in Cleveland, and Joe Girardi finally committed to that Wednesday.

"He's on target to go [tomorrow]," Girardi said.

Sabathia, who threw a 38-pitch bullpen Tuesday and played catch Wednesday, said he hasn't felt anything in the elbow in the last week.

Pettitte makes progress

Andy Pettitte (fractured left ankle) played catch again in the outfield a second straight day, this time in his spikes.

"I pushed off a little bit harder than I did the other day," Pettitte said. "I felt good."

The 40-year-old lefthander said his hope is to throw off a mound by next week. "Just still being cautious," Pettitte said. "I just don't want to have anything to set me back."

Of getting on a mound, Pettitte said, "I would imagine we're getting close."