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Joe To Joe: With Torre Gone, Jeter Adjusting To Girardi

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By IRA KAUFMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2008

TAMPA - Derek Jeter heard a new voice of authority in the Yankees clubhouse this week, and it had a familiar sound.

New York's 33-year-old captain earned American League Rookie of the Year honors in 1996 and spent his 12 full major-league seasons playing for Joe Torre.

Before New York's initial full-squad workout on Wednesday, new manager Joe Girardi addressed the entire team for the first time since replacing Torre in October.

"It sunk in that Mr. T is gone," Jeter said after Girardi threw a changeup by mandating some baserunning and conditioning drills after the initial batting practice. "But it really wasn't that weird. It was weird not seeing Mr. T, but it's not weird with Joe talking. It's not the first time he's spoken in front of us."

Jeter and Girardi were teammates on three championship teams, and the former catcher was a bench coach for the Yankees in 2005.

"Derek Jeter has always been a leader by example," Girardi said of the eight-time All-Star shortstop. "He's special, and he's been special since the day I met him in 1996."

Torre, who led the Yankees to four World Series titles, is across the state in Vero Beach, managing the Los Angeles Dodgers.

"I've played with Joe Girardi, so I don't really think it's that much of an adjustment, at least for me," Jeter said. "I'm already comfortable with him, but it is kind of awkward without seeing Mr. T. I've always said throughout the years that I couldn't imagine playing here without him ... now I can."

Jeter was asked if he missed Torre's presence.

"Not yet," he said, "but I missed him when we were running a little bit. If you come in shape, it's not a problem. If you're not in shape, it's definitely an issue."

Seven seasons have passed since the Yankees eliminated the Mets in five games to complete the Subway Series, marking George Steinbrenner's last championship.

For Jeter, it's an eternity.

"I've always had an appreciation for how tough it was - even when we were winning the World Series," Jeter said. "You realize it's not easy to do. We made it look easy, but it wasn't. You can get irritated a little bit more year after year when we continue to fall short."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833 or ikaufman@tampatrib.com.

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