Jeter in NY state of mind; Martin powers Yanks over A’s

New York, NY, United States (4E Sports) – Shortstop Derek Jeter has reiterated his desire to end a stellar career wearing Yankees pinstripes, debunking reports that he’s ready to shift to another team just to extend his playing years.

“I think it is comical that we are talking about it after I told you guys time and time again I can’t picture myself playing anywhere else,” Jeter told MLB.com to clarify his earlier statement about following Peyton Manning’s career path.

Jeter was earlier asked by ESPN.com’s Rick Reilly if he could see himself doing what Peyton did when he shifted to the Denver Broncos after 14 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts.

“Well, if I wanted to keep playing, yes. It’s a business. People forget that,” responded Jeter, whose answer created a buzz on the Internet and landed him on the front page of the New York Daily News.

“I’m going to tell you guys what went down,” Jeter explained Friday. “I was asked about Peyton Manning going from Indianapolis to Denver. The question was in reference to if the organization doesn’t want you around anymore, do you still want to play? You have no choice but to go to another team. I think it is common sense. But I’m glad you guys had fun with it.”

Jeter is in the second year of a three-year deal with the Yankees that includes a player option for 2014. He will make $17 million next year and can opt in and make $8-$11.5 million in 2014. He can also accept a $3 million buyout and test the market.

Even third baseman Alex Rodriguez can’t image seeing Jeter wearing another uniform or finishing his career with another team.

“That’ll never happen,” Rodriguez said. “I never see Derek playing in [another] uniform. I see him, forever, for the next 1,000 years, in pinstripes. Even when he’s 50 or 60, who knows, he’ll still be helping out and being a leader and captain to the Yankee franchise.”

The 38-year-old Jeter delivered a hit Friday in the Yankees’ 2-1 victory over the Oakland Athletics, raising his league-leading total to 203 for the season.

Russell Martin hit a walkoff homer in the 10th inning to power the Yankees to their sixth straight win that helped maintain a one-game lead over the Baltimore Orioles for the American League East lead.

CC Sabathia pitched shut down the A’s for eight innings, giving up just three hits with 11 strikeouts, the fifth time he had fanned 10 or more batters this season.

However, Yanks closer Rafael Soriano surrendered a game-tying homer to pinch-hitter Brandon Moss for his fourth blown save in 46 chances.

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