Girardi Had No “Inkling”

Feb 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager

(28) talks with the media as pitchers and catchers report for spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

By now, we all know of Derek Jeter‘s plans to retire following this upcoming season. Jeter has since said he only revealed his intentions to “family and a few close friends.” After arriving late to training camp Friday due to his flight being delayed by weather, Yankees manager Joe Girardi said he had no idea Jeter would retire and that when he heard, he was “saddened” by the news.

“I think we were all a little bit taken [aback] by it,” the New York Yankees manager said. “You are never sure how someone is going to do it, but I had no inkling that is what he was thinking, so I was little taken aback by it. … In the [Facebook] article, he had written about how it is more difficult to get ready, and when it becomes more [of] a job than just playing, then it is something [he has] to think about.”I remember Kevin Tapani telling me that it wasn’t the day he pitched, it was the work the four days prior to pitching. It was difficult for him. [Jeter] has played for a long time. He has been so important to this organization. We are going to miss him.”

Girardi however, maintained that just because this is Derek’s last year, it does not mean that he will run him out there every single game, if he feels he needs a break.

“I got to do … what’s best for our team and what’s best for him is the bottom line,” Girardi said. “As I said, he’s going to play as much as he’s capable of playing; that’s the bottom line for me. We want him out there every day. As I said, it won’t be every day, but I want to run him out there most of the time.”

Girardi said he will likely bat Jeter second this season. “That would be the ideal thing if you could break up your left-handers but we’ll just have to see.”

Girardi also said he plans on talking with Derek face to face, as the two have only exchanged a few text messages since the news broke.