Jeter talks freely, but he doesn't reveal much

This is the final year of Derek Jeter's current contract with the New York Yankees. It's something to talk about, as ultimately futile as the subject is. You'll see Republicans and Democrats actually working together for the common good before you see Jeter in the uniform of another team.

Nonetheless, we spent a lot of time Wednesday morning at Steinbrenner Field, listening as Jeter was asked about a dozen different ways what it might be like to play elsewhere in 2011. The following quote more or less captures the answer he gave over and over again:

"This is the only organization I've ever wanted to play for. That's still true today," he said. "I was a Yankees fan growing up and this is where I want to be. I've never envisioned myself playing anywhere else and hopefully I don't have to."

The safest bet on the planet is that Jeter will remain in pinstripes next season and beyond and that's as it should be, regardless of how you feel about the Yankees. The idea of Jeter playing out the remainder of his career with any other team is ludicrous.

But it is a fact that his 10-year contract worth $189 million is up and the Yankees say they won't negotiate until the season is over. In a mass interview session on the day of the Yankees' first full-squad workout, Jeter made it clear this was the last time he'll talk about it until after the season.

So he talked, patiently fielding questions as if they were batting practice ground balls. Only one subject was off limits.

A NewsChannel 8 reporter barely got a question out about the 30,875-square foot palace Jeter is building on Davis Islands, only to be sternly rebuked.

"I'm not going to talk about that," Jeter said.

In case we didn't get the message, a Yankees public relations official chimed in, "No more questions about the fence around his house, either."

Actually, Jeter has lived among us since 1994 when he was working through the Yankees' minor-league system. The house would seem to indicate he plans to stay a while longer, which is a good thing.

"I moved down here permanently to work out because it got a little cold in Michigan when I was in the minor leagues and I've been here ever since. This is where I call home. I enjoy Tampa, I enjoy my time here."

I mention this only because I knew you'd ask. We move on.

You don't have to like the Yankees to appreciate that Jeter is a pro's pro, beloved in the most demanding sports town in the land. He is always there, a picture of durability and consistency. That counts for a lot.

Playing shortstop can wear on a body, but Jeter has played at least 148 games in 13 of his 14 full seasons. He has done so with distinction on the field while staying above the fray when things get a little tilted in the Bronx, as they tend to do from time to time. This summer could be one of those times.

The longer Jeter goes without a deal, the more speculation will increase about what might happen. Although both sides already have said they won't talk about a contract until after this season, though, something has to fill the empty space.

Gossip? Rumor? Reports of an A-Rod affair with a space alien?

Speculate away. Jeter won't be paying attention.

"It's unfair to be talking about myself when we're trying to win," he said. "That's the approach I've always had and it's not going to change. I know it will maybe cause a lot of speculation and there will be a few stories out there, but it won't be a distraction because I'm not going to talk about it."

Here's what he will talk about. He'll tell his teammates that the World Series win happened last year.

"It sounds kind of harsh but that's the bottom line," he said. "What we accomplished last year has no bearing on this season."

He has no thoughts of retirement or his legacy. He doesn't look ahead or behind. It's simply about getting ready for the rigors of trying to win another championship. The approach has served him well in a town where his every nuance could be fodder for the tabloids.

"I enjoy coming out here, I enjoy competing, I enjoy coming to spring training to get ready for the season," he said. "When it's not fun anymore, I'll let you know."

When he has a new deal, he'll tell us that, too.

Not before.