AP source: Jeter has yet to make formal proposal

[May 10, 2011]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Derek Jeter and the Yankees haven't held contract talks in more than a week and the shortstop's agent has yet to make a formal proposal, according to a baseball executive familiar with the negotiations.

Jeter, agent Casey Close and Yankees officials met in Tampa, Fla., about two weeks ago to start discussions. At that time, without making any proposals, Close suggested Jeter was seeking a deal averaging about $25 million for six years, the executive said Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because neither the team nor Jeter's side have publicly disclosed details of their discussions.

The executive said the numbers were suggested loosely by Close and should not be interpreted as a precise request by the Yankees captain.

New York then made a $45 million, three-year offer to the shortstop. Jeter's side hasn't made a counterproposal, the executive said, but Close followed by suggesting a contract averaging about $23 million for four or five seasons.

The 36-year-old Jeter just completed a $189 million, 10-year deal that was third in total value to Alex Rodriguez's deals of $252 million and $275 million, both over a decade. Jeter hit .270 with 10 homers this year, down from a .334 average and 18 homers in 2009.

While talks with Jeter have slowed, the Yankees are more confident at amicably reaching an agreement relatively quickly with Mariano Rivera, who turned 41 on Monday. The closer is coming off a $45 million, three-year contract, and New York thinks it can strike an agreement on a one- or two-year deal at a similar salary or a slight raise.

Fern Cuza, Rivera's agent, has not told the Yankees what Rivera is seeking, the baseball executive said.

Rivera had 33 saves in 38 chances with a 3-3 record and 1.80 ERA last season, maintaining his decade-plus dominance.

New York also expects negotiations with Cliff Lee to intensify as the winter meetings approach next Monday. The Yankees have made signing the 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner their No. 1 priority among free-agent additions. Texas obtained Lee from Seattle in July and hopes to re-sign him after reaching the World Series for the first time.

[Associated Press; By RONALD BLUM]

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