TAMPA – Derek Jeter exited the Yankees’ minor league complex and hopped in his bronze Hummer. The Yankee captain lowered his window to sign a few autographs, then pulled out of the parking lot.

His thoughts on Alex Rodriguez would have to wait one more day.

Despite rumblings that he might skip his workout yesterday, Jeter showed up at the Yankee facility in the early morning to partake in pre-spring training workouts. When he emerged from the clubhouse onto the field, he was greeted by a media contingent of approximately 20 members, all anxious to hear what the current Yankee shortstop had to say about the newest Yankee shortstop – er, third baseman.

But Jeter simply smiled at the media and conducted his workout under the hazy sky. He took batting practice with Gary Sheffield and Tony Clark, handled grounders in the infield (yes, at shortstop) and did some light running in the outfield.

When the players finished working out, however, a team spokesman informed the media that none of the Yankees would be available to speak because at that hour, the A-Rod trade had not yet been finalized. The presence of George Steinbrenner might have had something to do with that, as the spokesman’s announcement came just shortly after The Boss stepped onto the premises, chatted with Sheffield, Bernie Williams and pitching guru Billy Connors and left.

Still, there was at least muted optimism among the Yankees who provided some quick insight about the trade that landed the game’s best player in The Bronx.

Told that the Yanks had acquired a new player, Bernie Williams chuckled, knowing that this was not just your average transaction.

“I heard,” he replied. “Pretty good.”

“Awesome,” Tom Gordon said, as he signed autographs for dozens of Yankee fans.

Then there was Gary Sheffield, who was asked whether A-Rod’s arrival made the Yankees’ new lineup – which now includes himself, Rodriguez, Jason Giambi, Jeter, Williams, Jorge Posada and Hideki Matsui – the best he’s ever been part of.

“Definitely,” Sheffield said before cracking, “Not sure if I’m going to be in it, though.”

Joe Torre also made a surprise appearance at the camp, stopping by the field to chat with several players before leaving to fly back to New York for today’s A-Rod press conference. Jeter jetted off to New York as well, taking his thoughts on the game’s biggest trade with him.

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LUCKY 13

Despite the superstition attached to the number 13, many professional athletes have worn the digits – including newsest the Yankee, Alex Rodriguez.

Famous No. 13s

Wilt Chamberlain

Ralph Branca

Dan Marino (left)

Kurt Warner

Mark Jackson

Billy Wagner

Edgardo Alfonzo

Other Yankee No. 13s

Lee Mazzilli (left)

Jim Leyritz

Jose Vizcaino

Charlie Hayes

Antonio Osuna

Willie Banks

Jeff Manto