TAMPA – Before David Wells addressed his contract situation yesterday, the outspoken lefty touched all the bases in the Yankee universe.
Boomer, who may or not be in his last year of a “My Way” career:
* Defended Derek Jeter’s character.
* Said he understood why Jeter hissed after George Steinbrenner questioned his late-night habits.
* Said The Boss should be happy for David Cone’s chance to win his 200th game as a Met.
* Said he almost came to blows with The Boss in 1997.
* And said that he understands Steinbrenner’s motivational methods even if The Boss should have kept his criticism of Jeter out of the press.
And, oh yes, Wells would like to know if he fits into the Yankees’ 2004 plans by the middle of the 2003 season.
“Derek is not a party guy, he is not out there every night, trust me,” said a chuckling Wells. “He has gone out a couple of times, big deal. [Jeter] has every right to be mad. I try to get him to go out but he goes to dinner, goes to a movie and calls it a night. He didn’t have a .300-plus season [last year], but we all have a bad year.
“He has done a lot for this team and carried this team at times, especially in the postseason. For George to jump on him like that was unfair. George tries to light a fire under your [butt]. I think it’s the wrong way to do it, in the press instead of going up to the individual. I think that would be a lot better.”
Pertaining to his close friend Cone signing with the Mets, a team Steinbrenner competes with for entertainment dollars, Wells said The Boss should have made an effort to bring Cone back into pinstripes.
“I am bummed he didn’t get a chance here, but there is so much pitching here it’s ridiculous,” said Wells, who is one of seven starters in camp. “It would have made George look better to bring him here and give him a chance at a milestone. George shouldn’t be mad. You can’t fault a guy for trying to pitch again.”
Wells wants he and Cone to win 200 in the same season. Cone needs six victories and Wells 15.
“That would be good if we could get 200, the both of us,” Wells said.
Talking about Steinbrenner’s motivational methods, Wells recalled a heated 1997 argument they had in the Yankee Stadium clubhouse.
“Yes and no,” Wells said when asked if The Boss motivated him. “He [ticked] me off. He is lucky I didn’t hit him. It got to a point where it was like that, but I am glad it never happened.”
As for the Yankees picking up his $6 million option for next year (there is a $1 million buyout), Wells wants to know by July, but GM Brian Cashman says he shouldn’t expect that. And he believes winning 19 games last year should have led to the $4 million in incentives he reached last year to be guaranteed this season.
“I would like to know by midseason,” Wells said of the option being exercised. “I deserve it. If not, I will ride off into the sunset.”
Said Cashman: “I don’t see us being in a position to do it early. Did he give the White Sox money back the year before when he was on the DL?”