Yankees' Cashman: Jeter Offer Is Fair; Age A Concern
NEW YORK (WFAN/AP) -- Yankees GM Brian Cashman and Derek Jeter's agent have taken their high-profile contract negotiations to the New York tabloids.
Firing back at Jeter's agent for comments made over the weekend, Cashman described the Yankees' offer as "appropriate" and "fair."
Jeter's agent, Casey Close, has been vocal about what he sees as "baffling" contract talks between the Yankees and his client.
"There's a reason the Yankees themselves have stated Derek Jeter is their modern-day Babe Ruth. Derek's significance to the team is much more than just stats. And yet, the Yankees' negotiating strategy remains baffling," Close told the Daily News Saturday.
Cashman returned volley in Tuesday's New York Post.
"There is nothing baffling about our position," Cashman told the Post. "We have been very honest and direct with them, not through the press."
As for the Yankees' reported 3-year, $45 million offer?
"We feel our offer is appropriate and fair," Cashman said. "Our primary focus is his on-the-field performance the last couple of years in conjunction with his age, and we have some concerns in that area that need to be addressed in a multi-year deal going forward."
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Jeter is a free agent for the first time after completing a 10-year contract this season. The Yankees have also held talks with the agents for pitcher Mariano Rivera, who is also a free agent.
