Cashman: Jeter staying at short for now

NEW YORK, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman said Tuesday he foresees Derek Jeter in the outfield if the shortstop needs to switch positions down the road.

It's all hypothetical right now, Cashman told MLB.com

"Thankfully that's not something we're going to have to deal with right now," Cashman said. "He's our shortstop. I think his athletic abilities would carry him to the outfield if he ever had to change positions, but obviously he's working hard to stay at shortstop."

He said there have been no "internal plans" discussed about using Jeter anywhere but at short.

The issue of where Jeter's future lies came up during a question-and-answer session when a fan asked Cashman if he saw Jeter playing shortstop for all four years of his new contract. Cashman answered he would be "surprised" if that happened, and then elaborated that Jeter's athleticism made a transition to outfield more likely than to third base.

During the off-season, the 37-year-old infielder signed a three-year, $51 million contract with a fourth-year at his option.