Jeter knows what Mariano plans to do

TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter also knows what Mariano Rivera plans to do after the season. But, like the closer, he's not telling.

"What do you think?" Jeter smiled, asked if Rivera had shared his plans for after the season.

Based on your reaction, I would say yes, one reporter said.

"All right, there you go," Jeter said, again with a grin.

Asked moments earlier a more general question about envisioning the Yankees without Rivera, Jeter said point-blank that he did know the decision.

"Whenever that is ," Jeter began. "Who knows when [that will be], well I know when it is, but . . . "

Jeter paused.

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"It's really hard to talk about someone being gone when they're still here," he continued. "So I think you just appreciate him while he's here."

On Monday, and again Tuesday, Rivera was the talk of spring training, saying in two different sessions with reporters that he had made a decision on next season. The longer the closer talked, the more he sounded like a pitcher ready to step away, though he repeatedly said he would disclose his decision at a date to be determined. He said only his family knew his plans.

"I guess I'm family," Jeter said.

From there, Jeter wasn't giving anything up.

"Let's do it this way, you're not going to get anything from me about Mo," Jeter said, not at all tersely. "Mo told you what he wanted to tell you. He'll share his thoughts and opinions with you when he's ready. I'm not going to sit here and get into the speculation of what people assume he meant. He's right over there . You guys can ask him. I'm not going to get involved in that. Like I said, you appreciate him while he's here. Focus on that instead of if and when he's going to retire."

Jeter smiled again.

"You guys came all the way over here for that?"

Jeter will give his annual state-of-the-team, state-of-Jeter address to the media throng covering spring training Friday morning -- a handful of reporters were at the complex Wednesday when he spoke -- but he did touch on a number of other topics.

Among them was how different it will feel not to see another one of his longtime teammates, Jorge Posada, who retired this offseason. Two offseasons ago it was Andy Pettitte hanging it up.

"It's different because you're used to playing with them," Jeter said. "We've been together so long in New York but we came up together in the minor leagues as well, so when you're used to seeing somebody for so many years when they're not there, it's kind of weird. It was awkward when Andy left; it hasn't hit me with Jorge because pitchers and catchers are on completely different schedules in the spring. I'm sure that will set in.

"It is kind of an awkward situation."

But the 37-year-old shortstop said those retirements, and talk of Rivera's, do not make him think about his own baseball biological clock ticking.

"Nope," Jeter said. "I take it year to year. I've always done that. So I'm not trying to predict the future.

"I'm focused on 2012."