Planning to see Derek Jeter this spring? Your first chance will come Thursday. Or, plan a trip to Panama in mid-March.
Also out of New York Yankees camp in Tampa on Sunday: Outfielder Brett Gardner settled on a four-year, $52 million contract. That deals begins with the 2015 season. Gardner has a $5.6 million contract for this season.
The Yankees begin Grapefruit League games on Wednesday, a day after an exhibition against Florida State. Their opener will be in Brandenton, Fla., against the Pirates, who reciprocate on Thursday.
Jeter will retire after this season, following a year in which injuries limited him to 17 games.
Jeter says he is "pretty sure" that he will be part of the squad that will play games against Miami on March 15-16 in Panama, the home of retired Yankees closer Mariano Rivera.
Rivera will be honored at the games. Jeter and Rivera were longtime teammates.
Asked whether he would make the trip, Jeter smiled and said, "What do you think?"
Spring is a key time for Gardner, who is moving to left field this season. He makes way in center field for Jacoby Ellsbury, who joined the Yankees on a seven-year, $153 million free-agent deal.
Gardner, 30, hit .273 last season with eight home runs, 52 RBIs and 24 stolen bases.
Garnder's deal means the Yankees will have their projected starting outfield together for at least the next three seasons, according to CBSNewYork. The pact includes a club option for a fifth year at $12.5 million but not a no-trade clause.
In addition to Gardner and Ellsbury, the Yankees signed Carlos Beltran to a three-year deal in the offseason. Beltran will play right field.
Contributing: Associated Press