It was everyone Yankee fans worse nightmare. Their captain, the great Derek Jeter, will start this season on the disabled list for the first time since 2001. Jeter who suffered a fractured ankle last postseason against the Tigers has not been able to play shortstop on a consistent basis in spring training. He has been experiencing soreness in the surgically repaired ankle that will likely keep him off the diamond on Opening Day. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who is recovering from surgery himself, said, “This continues to tell you that it’s just not ready yet for the full duties. Obviously, it’s looking more likely than not that he will start the season on the DL, and a more realistic goal is April 6.” The only way for Jeter to avoid going on the disabled list will be if he can play shortstop in back to back games without any pain. It seems highly unlikely after Jeter complained that the pain had moved to the back of the ankle and he was unable to run at full speed while batting on Tuesday against the Phillies. Its been a tough start for the Yankees who already have Curtis Granderson, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira on the disabled list. That has to be a record for the most money sitting on the sidelines!
