TAMPA, Fla. — Derek Jeter has been in contact with Alex Rodriguez and acknowledged the third baseman’s suspension has been “messy,” but he wouldn’t say whether he supported Rodriguez’s vow to attend spring training.
“As a teammate, you’re saddened by the whole thing,” Jeter said Wednesday of Rodriguez’s season-long ban for his alleged ties to Biogenesis and PEDs. “The whole thing has been kind of messy.”
And it would figure to get even messier if Rodriguez follows through on his plan to join the Yankees in camp. Rodriguez is seeking to overturn the suspension in federal court after arbitrator Fredric Horowitz reduced Major League Baseball’s original suspension from 211 games to 162 and the postseason.
Asked what he thought of the prospect of Rodriguez in spring training with the rest of the team, Jeter only would say: “You’ve got to ask him that question. I really can’t give you any more on that.”
Not exactly a ringing endorsement from The Captain, who usually says the team is accustomed to distractions.
Jeter spoke at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino before a fund-raiser for his Turn 2 Foundation, which provides grants for programs that promote healthy lifestyles for young people.
Though Jeter shied away from expressing his thoughts on Rodriguez potentially working alongside his teammates before the ban begins, Jorge Posada made it clear he didn’t agree with the idea.
“It would be really tough for Alex and the Yankees and the players,” the retired catcher said. “I just hope he thinks about everything and makes a decision later and not now when he’s mad.”
Like Jeter, Posada it was difficult to watch his former teammate become the most infamous man in the sport.
“It’s tough to see a friend go through that,” said Posada, who has been unable to make contact with Rodriguez. “The game of baseball is tough at times. He’s got my support… It’s tough to watch. You just hope he can move on.”
Not surprisingly, Goose Gossage had strong feelings about Rodriguez.
“I think A-Rod got what he deserved,” the Hasll of Fame closer said. “You hate to see it happen to him, but I think the punishment fit the crime.”
Jeter declined to go into detail about what he and Rodriguez spoke about, but admitted it hasn’t been easy on the embattled slugger.
“I’m sure it’s rough,” Jeter said. “He’s human. I’m sure it’s a rough situation. I’ve played with him more than I haven’t [in my career]. You grow close to guys over the years.”
As for his own status, Jeter insisted he felt good and expects to be healthy in 2014. He has yet to begin baseball activities since playing just 17 games while battling leg injuries that cost him most of last season. He said he expects to hit the field for the first time Monday at the team’s minor league complex.
“I’ve been working hard,” Jeter said. “I started working out in the beginning of November. I’m anxious to get back out there.”
And though he is enthused by the additions to the lineup, Jeter didn’t have an update on negotiations between the Yankees and Japanese right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who is represented by Jeter’s agent, Casey Close.
Jeter, who signed a one-year deal worth $12 million during the offseason, reiterated he’s not thinking beyond the upcoming season.
“I’m still focused on this year,” Jeter said. “I take it one year at a time. I’ve never tried to look into the future.”