TAMPA — Joe Girardi has options when it comes to where he bats Ichiro Suzuki.
After hitting Suzuki in the lower third of the lineup last year, Girardi yesterday said he could use the 39-year-old left-handed hitter in the first or second slot.
“That’s a piece where we will have to see exactly where it fits with the other guys,’’ said Girardi, who will use Derek Jeter first or second if healthy and could use Brett Gardner on top, too.
PHOTOS: YANKEES SPRING TRAINING
“There are question marks that have to be answered. We have to assume Derek is going to be healthy, but what if he isn’t? That can change. We have to see where we are about March 25, March 26 before we really put this altogether.’’
Suzuki, who batted .322 in 67 games after being acquired from Seattle, didn’t provide a preference as to where he wants to hit.
“I have experience in many different spots,’’ said Ichiro, who primarily batted first or third in Seattle. “I want to be that player they say can do a lot of things. Right now I have not earned a starting spot. Right now I have to try and earn a spot in the lineup.’’
* Jeter made a fan’s day during batting practice. A young girl sitting in the seats between the first-base dugout and the screen behind home plate yelled “Jeter, Jeter, Jeter” while he was standing near the batting cage.
Jeter turned around and removed his batting helmet. That drew a reaction from the crowd.
Having participated in the first two World Baseball Classics, Jeter is disappointed he won’t play in the third next month.
“I enjoy the experience of the WBC and had fun,’’ Jeter said.
He also would have enjoyed reuniting with some familiar faces.
“Mr. T [Joe Torre], Willie [Randolph] , [Larry] Bowa and Gino [Monahan]. There would have been a lot of guys, I would have loved to do that,’’ Jeter said.
Torre is managing USA, with Randolph and Bowa as coaches. Monahan, the former Yankees trainer, is in the same role for Torre’s club.
* The Yankees aren’t concerned pitching prospect Mark Montgomery’s strained back problem is a long-term issue. Girardi said yesterday it’s a 48-hour deal.
Montgomery, who is constantly compared to David Robertson, missed a batting practice session Sunday because of the back problem.
* Travis Hafner easily put on the largest display of power during batting practice.