Jeter focused on present, not a down 2010 season

[February 08, 2011]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Derek Jeter is focused on the present and not a down 2010 season.

The Yankees shortstop is trying to bounce back after hitting .270, which is 44 points below his career average.

"I've always been pretty good in my career in terms of forgetting about previous seasons, whether it was a good season or a bad season," Jeter said Monday. "You have to forget about it and move on."

The 36-year old team captain has been working out onfield for almost a month -- his normal offseason routine -- at the Yankees' minor league complex. Although spent three days with hitting coach Kevin Long in January, Jeter's pre-spring training process basically remains the same.

"The main thing you always want going into a season, you want to make sure that you're healthy," Jeter said. "You've got to maintain yourself throughout the course of the year, so that's why you work in the offseason."

After some negotiations with the Yankees became public and a little snippy, Jeter agreed to a $51 million, three-year contract. While general manager Brian Cashman raised the possibility Jeter could one day be switched to the outfield, Jeter said he can't predict the future.

"I wish I could," he said. "I'm not a fortune teller. I don't have a crystal ball at the house. I have a job to do (this season)."

New York's biggest concern appears to be its starting rotation following the retirement of Andy Pettitte. The Yankees have two openings behind CC Sabathia, Phil Hughes and A.J. Burnett.

"Other guys are going to have to step up," Jeter said. "That's basically how it goes. I wouldn't use the word worried. It's going to be different without him."

"I'm happy that he came to a decision that he's comfortable with," Jeter added. "I know how close Andy is to his family. Family is No. 1 for him. He's definitely a teammate that you look forward to seeing and we're really going to miss."

While the Yankees failed in their attempt to sign left-hander Cliff Lee, the Boston Red Sox added left fielder Carl Crawford and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

"Last year they had a lot of injuries," Jeter said. "This year I would assume that everyone over there is excited to get going. It's our job to try and beat them."

Notes: Hughes threw 28 pitches during his second bullpen session. The right-hander fees that RHP Ivan Nova could have a breakout season in the rotation. "I think Nova is a real candidate for that," Hughes said. "He's got unbelievable stuff."

[Associated Press]

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