Jeter On WFAN: The Hits Will Come; Idea Is To Get Through Spring Healthy
NEW YORK (WFAN) -- He's having by his lofty standards a very substandard spring training, but Derek Jeter has been around this game long enough to know not to worry about a slow start.
Even with many speculating that due to various injuries he'll never regain the form he once showed, the Yankees' captain told WFAN's Mike Francesa on Tuesday night that people need to relax. He'll get to where he needs to be eventually.
"It's taken a while. I haven't played in a year and a half pretty much, so it's taken a little while to get comfortable. But the last couple of games it's starting to get there and we got about four or five games left heading into spring, so I feel good right now," Jeter said. "Everything has been positive. I worked extremely hard this offseason to get my body in shape. I don't like to jinx things but as of right now I feel extremely good."
Derek Jeter
Jeter said he's not worried about his lack of hits this spring. He's batting .114 (5-for-44) in 15 games.
"No, it doesn't bother me. To quite honest with you, I thought the timing would come back maybe a little sooner than it has. Like I said, I'm feeling a little bit better the last few days, which is good, but you know in spring training the bottom line is you want to feel good," Jeter said, adding, "Like I said, sometimes it takes a little longer than others."
Jeter said he has no intention of approaching this season any differently on the field, but due to his impending retirement he will try to savor more of the atmosphere from city to city.
"I will do everything like I have done each and every year, but I think what I will try to do is not look forward to getting out of particular towns, looking forward to the next series," Jeter said. "I will try to appreciate, especially the last time we go places. With the schedule now, outside of your division, you only go there once. I'm going to try to enjoy every city I go to."
Jeter said he has no individual goals this season except to stay off the disabled list.
"And if I stay healthy I want to help this team win and do exactly what I have done every year I have been out there," Jeter said.
The captain said the next week will be important because the Yankees' regulars are finally starting to play together.
"We got a good group. We got a lot of talented guys. But if you think about it, we always do," Jeter said. "It's just a matter of ... I keep stressing health but that's a major point for every team going into a season ... But I like the team we have. We got good guys, guys who like to work hard. Guys who are expecting us to gave a good season."
Jeter spoke about a lot of other things, including his upcoming farewell tour. He was asked if he might change his mind about retirement if he has an exceptional season. To hear his answers, check out the link below.
Derek Jeter
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