Derek Jeter Says He's 'Good To Go' Ahead Of Spring Debut
TAMPA, Fla. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has no concerns about the health of shortstop Derek Jeter, who was limited to 17 games last season due to leg injuries.
Jeter is scheduled to play Thursday against Pittsburgh in his first spring training game of his final season.
Cashman said Wednesday he is "more curious as to like how the weather report is for tomorrow than what he's going to look like."
"What happened last year was unfortunate and unexpected," Cashman said. "I've been conditioned not to worry about Derek Jeter, and I haven't deviated from that."
"Maybe that's a mistake or the wrong thing, but I grew up with that so it's hard to start worrying about it," he added. "He is almost one of those guys you never have to worry about. Last year was shocking."
Jeter, who turns 40 in June, broke his left ankle in the 2012 AL championship series, then broke it again last spring during his rehabilitation.
"I'm looking forward to being out there," Jeter said. "I feel good now, so last year doesn't matter. Since I've been here this year, everything has been like a normal spring. You can't really compare last year and this year. Two entirely different years. Last year I felt as though I was rehabbing, this year I'm good to go."
Yankees manager Joe Girardi is handling Jeter's spring training in a normal fashion.
"Everything he's done has been good," Girardi said. "So, last year where we had some concerns, the way he was running, the way he was moving, we haven't had any of that."
Jeter got to meet 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston before the Yankees played Florida State on Tuesday. Winston is a closer and outfielder for the Seminoles.
"He's pretty remarkable," Jeter said. "I think it's cool that he's playing two sports. You don't see that too often now."
NOTES: 1B Mark Teixeira, recovering from right wrist surgery July 2, expects to face a pitcher in batting practice for the first time next week. He could be ready for a game in about 10 days. ... OF Alfonso Soriano (flu) worked out for the second straight day and could play Sunday. ... INF Eduardo Nunez is out with flu. ... If more improvements are needed to the roster, Cashman maintained any moves would not involve adding a big salary. "We've spent our money," he said.
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