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By MARK DIDTLER, Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 1, 2001
TAMPA -- Shortstop Derek Jeter will get to spent a few extra days at his bay area home. The Yankees, as expected, placed the World Series MVP on the 15-day disabled list with a right quadriceps strain.
"I know he feels obligated to be ready, but I'm still more comfortable having him take the extra four, five days, and that's what it came down to," manager Joe Torre said.
Jeter, who wasn't surprised by the move, could return as soon as Saturday. "I don't want to be down here," Jeter said. "I told him I'm ready and I told them I could play. I said my part. Everybody wants to play opening day. You don't want to miss games."
Jeter will work out at the extended spring camp. D'Angelo Jimenez will take Jeter's roster spot.
HURTING: The Yankees also placed outfielders Henry Rodriguez (back) and Shane Spencer (knee) and pitcher Ramiro Mendoza (shoulder) on the 15-day disabled list. The team has recommended surgery for pitcher Darrell Einertson (rotator cuff), who was put on the 60-day DL.
RAINOUT: The spring finale between the Yankees and their minor-league all-stars was called in the fourth inning because of rain. The only run came when Jorge Posada homered off Randy Keisler. Mike Mussina allowed two hits -- both doubles by former Tampa Yankees infielder Andy Phillips -- over four shutout innings. -- MARK DIDTLER
SARASOTA -- Doug Glanville, Travis Lee and Mike Lieberthal drove in two runs each to help Philadelphia defeat Cincinnati 8-0 in the final exhibition for both teams.
The Phillies, who finished the Grapefruit League with a 12-14 record, open the regular season Monday at Florida. The Reds, 14-14 in spring play, face Atlanta on Monday in their home opener.
Phillies rookie Jimmy Rollins homered in the first inning.
Glanville twice drove in Marlon Anderson with a sacrifice fly in the third and with a bunt single in the fifth. Both runs were off Cincinnati starter Elmer Dessens (1-2). Lee hit a two-run single and Lieberthal added a two-run double in the sixth.
Phillies starter Randy Wolf (1-2) blanked the Reds on four hits in six innings. He walked one and struck out four. Dessens worked five innings, allowing three runs and four hits while walking one and striking out three.
ROSTER MOVES: The Phillies finalized their opening roster by sending infielder David Newhan and outfielder Jason Michaels to their minor-league camp and placing pitcher Cliff Politte on the 60-day disabled list. -- TIMES WIRES
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Carlos Delgado is having so much fun preparing for the major-league opener in his homeland that he can't stop smiling.
Fellow Puerto Rican Ivan Rodriguez has been so busy that his eyes are red and his voice is hoarse.
Almost overshadowed by it all is Alex Rodriguez, the most talked-about player of the off-season. And the $252-million shortstop is appreciating his relative anonymity while it lasts.
"I know Pudge hasn't slept too much, I know he's tired," Alex Rodriguez said as his Rangers prepared to play Delgado's Blue Jays today in their regular-season opener. "I'm kind of glad they're getting all the promotion down here. I'm really enjoying that part of it."
The locals on this baseball-loving island are extremely excited to be the hosts. They also know how to enjoy themselves at games, which should make for a carnival-like atmosphere at Hiram Bithorn Stadium.
"I've played many games in that stadium, but this is going to be a little bit sweeter," Delgado said. "I'm so happy I'm a part of it. I'm going to enjoy every moment."
Although a Texas-Toronto exhibition game Saturday night wasn't sold out, the mood was festive long before the first pitch. There were so many pregame events that the start was delayed 33 minutes.
-- TIMES WIRES