PANAMA CITY, PANAMA — At this time last year, Derek Jeter was days away from being scratched because of additional problems with his surgically repaired right ankle that led to other issues and ruined his season.
Now, though the 39-year-old Jeter isn’t moving the way he was at 25, those watching him don’t believe he is running in quicksand with ankle weights attached.
“He is moving better and not favoring anything,’’ hitting coach Kevin Long said of the Yankees’ No. 2 hitter. “It looks very routine and normal to me. Compared to 2013, from a physical standpoint, he is moving good and running good.’’
Yankees manager Joe Girardi also has noticed the improvement of his shortstop.
“He is a lot further ahead than he was last spring, I can tell you that,” Girardi said. “ Last spring, we were watching him force it and watching him limp and not being able to play back-to-back games. It’s a much different spring, it’s got a much different feel to it. My eyes check all the time, and I remember last year and hard [running to first base] was for him. I have seen nothing to make me think it’s going to be a problem.’’
With Kelly Johnson, who has appeared in 16 big-league games at third, and the oft-injured Brian Roberts at second, Jeter and his lower leg problems of a year ago aren’t the Yankees’ biggest infield concerns.
That’s why their scouts have been searching spring training camps for infield help and why catcher Francisco Cervelli is coveted by teams with infielders and relievers to sacrifice in a trade.
As for Jeter’s stroke that he took into Saturday night’s exhibition game against the Marlins at Rod Carew Stadium, one of two games played to honor Panama native Mariano Rivera, Long sees progress from the 0-for-10 start to the spring schedule that Jeter went through.
“He is starting to swing better, feel better and is more comfortable,’’ Long said. “He is definitely moving in the right direction.’’
Entering Saturday night’s action, Jeter was batting .167 (4-for-24) in nine exhibition games.
Two years ago Jeter, who will be 40 in June, led the AL with 216 hits. Last season, he played in just 17 games.
The Yankees not only need Jeter for a full season, they need him hitting well behind Jacoby Ellsbury and in front of whomever Girardi bats third.
The Yankees certainly would take another 216 hits from Jeter, but that isn’t required. Yet, they can’t have Jeter wallowing in the .250s in the No. 2 spot. That would create a productivity issue and at least plant the seed in Girardi’s head that Jeter should be dropped in the order.
Another reason the Yankees need Jeter to hit second is the light-hitting Brendan Ryan is behind him. If Ryan, who hasn’t played in an exhibition game since March 4 because of a lower back problem on the right side, has to play extended games, that means he will bat ninth and Girardi has to find another No. 2 hitter behind Ellsbury. Brett Gardner immediately comes to mind, but Girardi doesn’t like lefty batters to hit back-to-back.