TORONTO — Derek Jeter scoffed at the belief that he was too emotionally and physically exhausted to attend Tuesday’s All-Star Game in Phoenix.
“What did I have? Physical and emotional exhaustion?” Jeter said before the Yankees’ 16-7 loss to the Blue Jays last night at Rogers Centre. “That sounds like a good quote, but I told you guys Friday why I wasn’t going. Physical and emotional exhaustion, that’s a good story, but it was based strictly on the leg.”
Jeter, who last night went 1-for-4 with a single, walk and scored run, was out from June 14 to July 4 with a Grade 1 strain of the right calf. And though he played six straight games after returning from the DL and went 5-for-5 and collected his 3,000th hit Saturday at Yankee Stadium, he felt it was best for the Yankees if he didn’t attend the All-Star Game.
He had company in not going to Phoenix. Mariano Rivera said biceps tendinitis was the reason he didn’t go. Because he wasn’t eligible to pitch because he worked Sunday before the game, CC Sabathia made plans to be in the Bahamas. He was named Sunday and then immediately replaced. Alex Rodriguez underwent right knee surgery Monday in Miami.
Jeter was puzzled that the criticism from several fronts didn’t surface until Tuesday.
“It seemed to be a non-issue. I didn’t hear a word about it until Tuesday,” Jeter said. “I guess I was surprised. I understand the fans being disappointed, I get that. I enjoy the All-Star Game. This decision was what was best for our team in the second half.”
Because Jeter didn’t directly hear or read some players quotes that said players chosen to the All-Star Game should at least show up, he refused to comment.
“I never comment unless I have all the facts,” Jeter said when told former Yankee Lance Berkman, who didn’t use Jeter’s name, said players should attend.
Jeter said he wasn’t going to go to Phoenix just to tip his cap.
“If I went out there, I was going to play,” Jeter said. “I was disappointed, but it was best for our team for the second half.”
The Yankees, who will be without Rodriguez until possibly Sept. 1, need Jeter to continue to hit like he did in the first six games back from the DL. In that six-game span, he batted .370 (10-for-27) with a homer and four RBIs.
As for the calf, Jeter said he is thankful it only cost him three weeks.
“When I got hurt, I heard how difficult it was, how it was going to take until the off-season [to heal],” Jeter said.
Jeter is very good at turning the page on the day-to-day grind of baseball, but the glow of what he accomplished Saturday still was evident yesterday.
“It was enjoyable, one of those days that stand out at the top of all the days I have played,” said Jeter, who became the 28th player in history and the first Yankee ever to collect 3,000 hits. “It was an enjoyable experience and a lot of fun. It goes without saying it’s a day I will never forget. I don’t try to compare games but besides the World Series I can’t remember being as happy.”
