As Jeter addressed his expiring deal on Wednesday at a news conference outside George M. Steinbrenner Field, the 35-year-old shortstop said he can't imagine himself in the lineup for any other team.
"This is the only organization I've ever wanted to play for," Jeter said. "That's still true today. I was a Yankees fan growing up, and this is where I want to be. I've never envisioned myself playing anywhere else, and hopefully I don't have to."
He also said he doesn't have a problem with the Yankees new policy of not discussing contract extensions until after the season:
"I don't have a problem with it," Jeter said. "That's the new policy that they have. They have every right to do that. I signed a long deal, I'm still under contract with that deal, and they have the right to do whatever they want."And as always he's taking the right approach into the new year:
"I've never gone into a season focused on the next season. My approach since Day One is to do whatever you can to help the team win in that particular year. I'm not thinking about what's going to happen next season."As for how long Jeter plans to hang around, he's not putting any limitations on himself:
He's also not looking to become a free agent for the first time in his career:"I never put limitations on how long I can play," Jeter said. "I'm going to play as long as I'm enjoying myself. I'm having a blast right now. You work extremely hard in the offseason to make adjustments.
"I think I've done that, and I'm going to have to continue to make adjustments through the years. I want to play as long as I can, as long as I'm having fun, and as long as I'm being productive."
"I've never been in that situation," Jeter said. "I've never been a free agent; I've never wanted to be a free agent. That's why I signed such a long deal. I felt, the longer the better, because I didn't want to have to answer these questions."This also seems like it will be the last time we hear from Jeter regarding his contract:
"I think it's unfair to be talking about myself when we're trying to win," Jeter said. "That's the approach I've always had. It's not going to change. I know it's going to cause speculation and stories out there, but it won't be a distraction because I won't be talking about it."After most Jeter quotes I'm left with little to say. He doesn't stir the pot, he doesn't create any controversies, and he says pretty much exactly what you'd expect him to say. This, is no different. For more from Jeter, check out this nice post from Mark Feinsand.
