Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter running, targets Opening Day
DEREK JETER ran Monday for the first time since breaking his left ankle in October, another step toward being in the New York Yankees' lineup on Opening Day.
DEREK JETER ran Monday for the first time since breaking his left ankle in October, another step toward being in the New York Yankees' lineup on Opening Day.
The 38-year-old shortstop jogged on a treadmill at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa a day before pitchers and catcher report to spring training.
"I've gotten the OK to do everything," Jeter said. "It's a progression. I haven't used my legs, so I've got to get back to using them." When asked how the running workout felt, Jeter replied "great."
Jeter began his third week of baseball workouts. He hit in a batting cage, fielded grounders on the grass in front of the infield dirt at shortstop and threw in the outfield.
"I feel fine," Jeter said. "I was able to do everything else. I just had to be careful with my ankle, but now I've gotten the green light with that. I've gotten all the green lights I need."
The 13-time All-Star expects to start in New York's opener against Boston on April 1. Jeter broke the ankle lunging for a grounder in the ALCS opener against Detroit on Oct. 13, and had surgery a week later.
Noteworthy *
Free-agent outfielder Michael Bourn agreed to a 4-year, $48 million contract with the Cleveland Indians. Bourn, an All-Star with Atlanta last season, must pass a physical later this week in Goodyear, Ariz., before the deal can be completed.
As long as there isn't a hangup, Bourn, 30, who has remained on the market all winter, will move into the Indians' starting lineup. He played centerfield last season and would give an immediate boost to a Cleveland team that has reloaded with the acquisition of free agent Nick Swisher, manager Terry Francona and starter Brett Myers.
* St. Louis Cardinals righthander Chris Carpenter hasn't ruled out pitching again, including this year.
Carpenter, 37, met with reporters at Busch Stadium as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training in Jupiter, Fla. Last week, the team said it wasn't counting on the longtime staff ace this season, shut down this time due to apparent circulation problems that left his pitching hand aching and discolored for hours after he left the mound. Against odds, perhaps, there's dogged optimism.
"Maybe I don't ever want it to end," Carpenter said. "I don't think I'll ever retire, to be honest with you. I'll never say that word. There might always be hope. Maybe like when I'm 48 I can come back and pitch some more."
The 2005 NL Cy Young winner plans to meet with team medical personnel. Carpenter has endured injury issues throughout his career.
* Edith Houghton, one of the first female scouts in Major League Baseball, has died at age 100. After a playing career that included a stint with the Philadelphia Bobbies, Houghton worked for the Phillies from 1946-52, and also had a decorated career in the military. She retired and moved to Sarasota, Fla., in 1964. Houghton died on Feb. 2, in Sarasota, 8 days before her 101st birthday, a representative for Baron Rowland Funeral Home in Abington confirmed.