Yanks, Jeet talking + other stuff

The Yankees and Derek Jeter took a “step in the right direction” towards working out a new contract, as Casey Close, Jeet’s agent, met with NYY GM Evel Knieval Brian Cashman in Tampa Tuesday night. It was the first face-to-face meeting between the two sides in almost a month. This doesn’t mean a deal will be worked out, but it’s a damn good sign. Following the meeting, Hank Steinbrenner said he is “confident that Derek will remain with the Yankees.”

What’s even more assuring is that noted windbag Curt Schilling has added his two cents in on Jetergate and believes that the shortstop will return to the Bronx. I know I’ll sleep easier tonight because Curt is never wrong and knows everything:

"I can’t imagine him in another uniform. For the most part I thought the Yankees took a very business-like approach towards this in a day and age where unemployment is the highest it’s been since the Great Depression. People don’t want to hear guys arguing over 15 to 20 million dollars a year."

I’m glad to hear a guy who has been described as “looking like he ate Dustin Pedroia” by Tony Maserotti of the Boston Herald speak out against greed. Classy as always. Unfortunately the pompous ass wasn’t done:

"I didn’t expect it to be done yet because of an agent. I honestly feel like if Derek was running this show by himself, he’d end up doing what he wants to do. Agents are in it to get the most money that they can possibly get."

In non-Jeter news, after denying they were trying to steal Andy Pettitte, the Rangers are set to offer coveted lefty Cliff Lee a five-year deal. Even though they will offer a five-year deal, they will not match the reported $23 million per year the Yanks are willing to give.

If the 32-year-old Lee opts to stay in Texas, the Yanks might have another option. Reports have surfaced that 2009 Cy Young Award-winner Zack Greinke would waive his no-trade clause to pitch in the pinstripes. Greinke, who suffers from social anxiety disorder, has made his displeasure about playing for a losing team known recently.

75 more days until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training. I can’t wait.