Here's what I don't understand. All Jeter's agent said to date- unless I'm missing something here (please fill me in) is that he found the Yanks negotiating tactics "puzzling". I'm assuming that was in response to Hal Steinbrenner's opening salvo indicating the negotiations had the potential to be contentious. I had no problem with Casey Close's response. The only people we've heard from so far "officially" is from the Yankee brass .. Hal, Hank and Cashman. Brian went as far as to say something like, "If he wants more I aint going there". I may be off on the context but not on the word he chose. My point simply being, why do we- the public - have to know the details??? I always admired Cashman but he went way down in my book over his latest comments. This whole scenario is like vintage old time George, not the "kinder" Steinbrenner Yankee fans would like to remember. A free agent has the right to ask for whatever he wants, I don't fault Jeter in that. The Yanks have every right to say you're not worth what you want and we are being gracious in offering you this. Why the need for public relations on the Yanks part? Jeter and his agent havve handled themselves admirably to date. Hardly a peep from their mouths other than the rumours (which may or may not be true but they never commented on - bravo). You could even go so far as to say that Derek Jeter has handled himself as a "True Yankee" in the finest sense of Yankee tradition. I just think negotiations, especially in the case of someone who has meant so much to the club, should be kept behind closed doors. I know this is the age of reality TV...but I'm sorry... this is too much!. If the Yanks don't want him back, fine, but don't rip him a new orifice in public when he hasn't officially said a word! I may be in the minority but I'm with Jeter, especially the way it's been handled by Yankee brass to date.