Joe happy with Jeter and A-Rod's springs

TAMPA, Fla. -- Joe Girardi touched on something Tuesday that early on was discussed almost daily but dissipated somewhat down the stretch.

"I was happy with Jeet's change," Girardi said of Derek Jeter working with hitting coach Kevin Long to eliminate the stride in his swing.

Jeter hit .304 this spring.

"Some of the balls he's pulled with authority," Girardi said. "I've noticed he seems to get to [inside fastballs] better now and I think it's something pitchers will have to think about now."

Girardi also mentioned Alex Rodriguez, who hit .388 with six homers and 18 RBIs.

"To see a guy locked in from Day 1 is sometimes kind of different to see," Girardi said.

He's seen a difference in A-Rod, down 10 pounds from last season, in the field, too. "He made a play going to his right maybe 10 days ago that I don't know if he makes it last year," Girardi said. "And you're like, 'wow.' But he has moved better."

Chavez surprises self

Eric Chavez, 33, who has played in a total of 64 games the last three seasons, couldn't have been happier with his spring, and not because of his .395 average and solid work at third and first.

"I guess I surprised myself," he said. "When you don't perform like I hadn't been the last two years, there's a lot of doubt that creeps in. I kind of felt like, the way I felt at times last year, there was still something in the tank. I knew shortening my swing would help out my shoulder and help out my performance, too."

Extra bases

If Curtis Granderson can't play Thursday, OF Chris Dickerson (hamstring), who stayed in Tampa to play in a minor-league game Wednesday, likely will get the nod . . . Girardi said a decision on RHP Luis Ayala or LHP Steve Garrison won't be made until Wednesday night . . . Girardi said "it's not out of the question" C Francisco Cervelli will return by May 1.. . . The Yankees announced that Mike Mussina will throw the ceremonial first pitch before tomorrowThursday's Opening Day game against Detroit.