Yankees, Jeter in contract tussle

NEW YORK, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- The New York Yankees say they have "concerns" about star shortstop Derek Jeter amid ongoing negotiations about a new multiyear contract.

Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said both Jeter's age and his recent on-field performance needed to be factored into any new contract.

"We do appreciate the contributions he has made to this organization," Cashman told The New York Times.

"And Derek Jeter is the person we want playing shortstop," he said.

But the money in a new contract "has to be a fair salary" that reflects the fact that Jeter will turn 37 next June, Cashman said.

Jeter's batting average dropped 64 points to .270 in 2010, the only time he has hit less than .290 in his 15 full seasons with the Yankees.

Jeter's agent, Casey Close, has called the Yankees' current negotiating strategy "baffling" because it refused to acknowledge "Derek's total contribution to their franchise."

Cashman responded by saying, there "is nothing baffling about our position here."

"We have been very honest and direct with them -- meaning Derek and Casey," he said. "We have told them directly, face to face, how we came up with our offer, and we have made it clear to them that our primary focus is his on-the-field performance."

The Yankees have reportedly made a three-year, $45 million offer.