Steinbrenner raps Jeter, Yanks' effort

TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- New York Yankees owner Hank Steinbrenner Monday criticized shortstop Derek Jeter and the team's overall attitude last season.

Steinbrenner, speaking to reporters in Tampa, Fla., at the opening of spring training, said the Yankees players spent too much time celebrating their 2009 World Series championship last season and concentrated too much on "building mansions."

Although Steinbrenner didn't single out Jeter by name, the Yankees captain is building a 30,000-square-foot house in the Tampa area, the New York Daily News noted.

"Sometimes I think maybe they celebrated a little too much last year," Steinbrenner said. "Some of the players are too busy building mansions and doing other things, not concentrating on winning. I have no problem saying that."

Asked if he was referring to Jeter, he said, "I'm just saying they were too busy; I'm not singling anybody out. I'm saying maybe they were riding the wave of '09 a little too much. It happens. Psychologically, it happens sometimes."

The New York shortstop was heavily criticized for his performance last season after hitting a career-low .270.

The Yankees lost to the Texas Rangers in the American League Championship series last year.