Some N.Y. Fans Face Unusual Dilemma

Oy, such a dilemma: You’re a Jewish Yankees fan, and the Mets just picked up Shawn Green. The New York papers all have dutifully told the story, as if handed down from the Bible: Green refused to play for the Dodgers on Yom Kippur, just like Sandy Koufax.

So, New Yorkers: Do you root for the Yankees or root as a Jew?

You can have your bagel and eat it too, as it turns out. Just ask Derek Jeter, who said he saw this T-shirt in Boston: “Jews for Jeter.”

Said Jeter, who is not Jewish: “It was different.”

Jason Giambi, dressing next to Jeter at Angel Stadium on Saturday, overheard the conversation and broke up laughing.

Said Giambi: “Jews for Jeter? I love it!”

The T-shirts are available online at jewishfashionconspiracy.com.

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The Angels rely on the combination of Scot Shields and Francisco Rodriguez to close games, but their recent performances are radically different.

Rodriguez has not given up a run since June 26, pitching 20 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings over his last 21 outings. He earned his 36th save Saturday, tying Bobby Jenks of the Chicago White Sox for the major league lead.

Shields has been scored upon in six of his last nine outings, giving up nine runs over his last 11 2/3 innings. He faced six batters Saturday, giving up two walks and a home run.

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The Angels lost their first-round draft pick to injury and their second-round pick to the Washington Nationals, and they could be within days of losing their third-round pick to the University of Texas.

Outfielder Russell Moldenhauer has a contract offer from the Angels and a scholarship from Texas. The fall term there starts Wednesday, and the Angels lose negotiating rights as soon as Moldenhauer attends class.

“We’re kind of at a standstill,” Angels scouting director Eddie Bane said.

Bane declined to discuss financial figures, but a source said Moldenhauer would like $500,000 to sign and the Angels are offering $400,000.

The Angels selected Moldenhauer with the 26th pick of the third round; the high school players drafted immediately ahead of him signed for $405,000, $395,000 and $385,000.

The Angels signed their No. 1 pick, catcher Hank Conger, for $1.35 million, then lost him for the season to wrist surgery.

They forfeited their No. 2 pick to the Nationals as compensation for signing free agent Hector Carrasco.

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The Angels plan to start Saturday games next season at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., in the hope fans might find it more convenient for getting home sooner or going elsewhere after the game. They plan to keep Sunday games at 12:30 p.m.