Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees are quick to say their slump isn't Joe Torre's fault. The best way for them to secure their manager's job, however, would be to start winning — now.

The last-place Yankees ended an awful April with a listless performance Sunday in a 7-4 loss to the visiting Boston Red Sox, raising more questions about Torre's status.

Demanding owner George Steinbrenner stayed silent afterward, but Jeter delivered a stirring defense of his manager, saying criticism of Torre was unwarranted.

"It's unfair," Jeter said. "There's no way he's responsible for us performing. He's not hitting for us. He's not pitching for us. He puts the best players out there on the field, gives us an opportunity to win. We're just not doing the job. That's unfair, and it should stop.

"He's doing a great job this year," the Yankees' captain added.