Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
We have movement in the Derek Jeter negotiations, as the Yankees reportedly increased their offer to the captain.
Several outlets reported the new offer, which The Associated Press said came in a telephone call Thursday to Jeter’s agent Casey Close, but none specified any terms. The Yankees’ widely reported initial offer of three years, $45 million fell short — in years and dollars — of Jeter’s expectations.
Close had no comment Thursday, but Yankees co-chairmanHank Steinbrenner told the AP the onus is now on the other side.
“The ball’s in Derek’s court now, and his agent,” Steinbrenner said. “It’s up to them.”
Steinbrenner added: “There’s no possible way anybody could criticize us for what we’ve offered.”
The New York Daily News reported Troy Tulowitzki’s new megadeal could form the framework for an eventual agreement with Jeter. The Yankees have noted the commitment the Rockies made to a much younger player and are not inclined to exceed the average annual value for a player whose best years certainly appear to be behind him.
When it comes to the Yankees’ other ongoing free agent talks, Steinbrenner said things are “looking good” with closer Mariano Rivera and reiterated that signing Cliff Lee is the Yankees’ top external priority.
“It’s no secret we want Cliff, and we will do what we can to get him,” Steinbrenner told the AP. “That’s the bottom line.”
By FanHouse Staff
