Cashman feeling better about Jeter
New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter (2) connects for an RBI sacrifice fly in the bottom of the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium. (April 30, 2011) Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
DETROIT -- Brian Cashman went to bed Tuesday night feeling good. Not because of the result of the game -- a 4-2 loss -- but because of what he saw from Derek Jeter.
"I was frustrated we lost the game, but Derek hit the ball harder in that game [Tuesday] night than he has all year long," Cashman said Wednesday on WFAN. "I feel like he's starting to string together some at-bats where he's driving the ball. We'll see where it takes him."
Jeter smashed a single to center in his first at-bat Wednesday night. He went 1-for-4 but left in the eighth because his hip was grabbing at him, according to Joe Girardi. Jeter said he expects to play today.
Cashman, pressed about Jeter -- hitting .250 with a .310 on-base percentage entering the game -- being moved down in the lineup, repeatedly said it's not something the team is currently thinking of doing. But if it has to be done, it will.
"We haven't given it much thought at this stage," Cashman said. "Listen, if we have to move people, we'll move them . . . If they earn their way out of a spot, they can earn their way right back into it, too. It is what it is. We'll deal with it if we have to. Right now, we don't feel the pressure of having to deal with it.''
With Ken Davidoff
