Jeter Unsure Of A-Rod's Plans
TAMPA (CBSMiami) - New York Yankees team captain Derek Jeter said Friday he wasn't sure if suspended teammate Alex Rodriguez will join the team at spring training later this month.
Rodriguez is out for the season after being given the most severe punishment in the history of baseball's drug program. An arbitrator reduced A-Rod's sentence last month, but kept it at a full season.
Since then, A-Rod has filed a federal lawsuit against almost everyone involved, including the Major League Baseball players union.
Under baseball's drug rules, suspensions cover the regular and postseason, but specifically exempt spring training from any suspension. But, the Yankees may not want A-Rod to show up this spring due to the media circus it would bring.
When asked about A-Rod, Jeter said, "I have no idea. You'd have to ask him."
A-Rod's spokesman previously said he wanted to come to spring training in Tampa.
Jeter is also trying to come back from a major injury that kept him out of much of last season. He's said to be in good health and good spirits as he works on getting ready for spring training.
The Yankees, along with most of the rest of the league, will report to spring training in mid to late February.