Derek Jeter is making plans for his future, a wise move by a man whose career is in its latter stages. They include book publishing.
But first, Jeter wants to make 2014 a season to wipe out the miserable one he just finished with the New York Yankees.
Jeter turns 40 next June and earlier this month cut a one-year, $12 million contract. His status as a Yankees icon seems secure even as observers wonder how much longer he will continue to play.
Thursday's announced partnership with Simon & Schuster doesn't change his short-term agenda.
"Man, I'm trying to focus on getting ready for the middle of February. I have not even thought about that," Jeter told the New York Daily News. "My No. 1 focus is to get healthy. And what I mean by get healthy is get strong, get my strength back. I'm headed in that direction."
Just what one would expect from the Yankees' captain.
"My job is to get ready to play. That's what my job has always been. I don't make up lineup cards. All I can do is get ready in the off-season, come (to spring training) and be ready to play," Jeter said. "My job is to play short, it's always been my job since I've come up, and continues to be my job. I understand the concerns, because of everything that went down last year. But I'll be ready to go."
Put that in the book.