MLB

Captain’s contract a big deal

A year from now, the Yankees and Derek Jeter will be involved in the mother of all contract negotiations.

Next season will be the last on Jeter’s 10-year, $189 million deal that will pay him $21 million. Fifteen days after the 2010 World Series is completed, Jeter will be able to negotiate with every team.

And though it’s hard to believe Jeter would ever leave The Bronx, it’s not likely the Yankees will get his name on an extension before next November.

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“We have had no discussions,” general manager Brian Cashman said.

Anything involving Jeter is always delicious the farther you get away from him. And this has the legs to be tantalizing, because the 35-year-old shortstop and captain is coming off his second best season (.334; 107 runs) in the last nine, added a fifth World Series title in which he batted .407 (11-for-27), moved ahead of the legendary Lou Gehrig as the all-time Yankees hits leader and is the face of the most famous franchise in sports, the Yankees wouldn’t be in a position of strength at the negotiation table.

Should the Yankees wait until next November, however, Jeter could be getting sized for a sixth World Series ring and hold a big hammer. And the Yankees can’t win with the fans if they get into a spitting match with the beloved Jeter.

Of course, length of contract, dollars and what position Jeter will play will factor into all of it. With Mark Teixeira at first base for the next seven years, expect Jeter to remain a shortstop.

Industry sources say Jeter is worth more to the Yankees than any other franchise and not likely to bag $20-plus million a year from another club. Yet, Jeter doesn’t fit the profile of a player who will offer the Yankees a hometown discount.

And factor this into the equation: Alex Rodriguez makes $27.5 million a year. Who is going to tell Jeter he isn’t worth at least that if he asks for it over five years?