Key to the Yankees franchise selling tickets is having star players and leaders. This is exemplified in Derek Jeter.

In an interview with Steve Serby of the New York Post, he reveals that he’s ready to make the big commitment of marriage, if he finds the right girl. He discusses many other topics, from his inspirations as an athlete and aspirations of owning a ball club.

Jeter credits his mother for a lot of the guiding principles for his life. He was not allowed to use the word “can’t.” He describes her as the ultimate optimist. He was implored to outwork everyone.

Jeter describes his desire to own his own ball club. Serby tried to see if he’d be willing to own the Yankees, to which Jeter said that he’d need a big discount to be able to afford it.

He also talks about letters he gets from Iraq:

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to know that someone’s over there fighting for our country, and yet they find the time to write to me here at Yankee Stadium. It puts a lot of things in perspective, but also makes you appreciate the position you’re in, in terms of playing for this organization . . . to get a chance to provide entertainment for people.”

When all is said and done, Jeter comes across as a pretty charming guy. Who ever snags him as a husband is going to make a bigger catch than he’s ever made in his career as shortstop.

How’s this for bad news for people buying Yankee tickets: A strained left quadriceps for Derek Jeter Monday night against Tampa Bay. It could take him out for several games.

His response quoted in the New York Times is: “I felt something, and I didn’t want to be stupid.” We’re glad the shortstop team captain isn’t stupid. But it’s never good news when being smart requires the star player to not play.

There is no word on whether he’ll be put on the disabled list, which has happened 4 times previously. An evaluation will be made at some point in the next week. Let’s hope that the optimism works.

There aren’t a lot of other shortstop replacements available for the Yankees. Giambi has a sore left groin; Shelly Duncan is on a two-game suspension.

The injury was a major negative point to a successful win by the Yanks. Mussina, who I reported recently played very mediocre against the Blue Jays, was redeemed by a great outing against Tampa Bay. He only allowed on run and two hits in six innings.

So when all is said and done, I’m glad that Mussina found his mojo, but you can’t help but be discouraged by the news of Jeter’s injury. Hopefully it’s only a couple of games, and it won’t require any placement on an injured list. And hopefully he’ll be back strong.

Now is the time to buy your NY Yankee tickets if you want to see a few games in the traditional stadium. We’re talking about a stadium that has housed the world’s biggest baseball franchise since 1923. And this is the last year.

The Yankees are a team that can never extricate themselves from a storied history. And they can never get away from the fact that their fans expect greatness from them. With seven seasons in a row without a championship, mediocrity is not sitting well with them.

So there’s been changes in the last few years. Former Yankee catcher and coach, Joe Girardi, is now at the helm of this franchise that would love to win a championship, this their last year in the old stadium. To dream of such things is almost too glorious to think of, but every fan must hope. And so Girardi is bringing a new commitment and focus to an experienced team. He’s conditioning them hard.

Team Captain, Derek Jeter is quoted in the daily news as saying:

“It’s going to be a special year. . . . There’s always optimism going into a new season. Obviously this year some things are different, but everyone here is excited.”

Let’s hope they give the old ball park a generous send off with a great 2008 season.

It’s spring training and the Yankees are working on giving fans a reason to buy NY Yankee tickets. This is likely going to be a very well conditioned team. Girardi seems to be running his team more than the Torre era. They are running more in practice and you can expect them to be running more in games. Girardi is also making defense a major focus.

Team captain and shortstop, Derek Jeter, is also doing some running. Gerry Fraley reports in his blog:

“Rather than trying to add bulk that would enable him to remain strong throughout the season, Jeter concentrated on quickness. Jeter said he worked on speed, lateral movement and a quicker first step.”

This same blog also mentions the three young pitchers that seem to be forming the future for this franchise’s mound. Phil Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Joba Chamberlain are getting a lot of attention at training. When Chamberlain took Legends Field recently, the crowd burst into cheers. Fans see a lot of potential and talent.

These three young athletes could be the key to Yankee’s success in 2008. Fraley quotes Andy Pettitte:

“They all have so much talent. The sky is really the limit for them. They’ve even picked it up from last year, and that’s what’s exciting to me.”

Tino Martinez, the former first baseman for the New York Yankees is coming back to the team, this time as an instructor. He reported to the press that he felt excited to be back on the field with the players.

When asked if he’d pursue opportunities to manage or coach a team in the future ESPN reports that he said:

“Probably, eventually, down the line. I didn’t know how much I would enjoy coaching in college last year, and I really enjoyed it. Right now, I’m just very content with the role I have.”

In other news, the team is likely to finalize a contract with Robinson Cano. They’re looking at a contract worth $57 million over six seasons. If he gets the contract, he will get “$3 million this season, $6 million next year, $9 million in 2010 and $10 million in 2011.”

And finally, as the team gets ready for Spring Training next week, with the steroids controversy looming, team captain Derek Jeter assures the fans that it will not be a distraction. His attitude seems to suggest that he’s seen lots of controversy over his years in the league and figures that the game will go on regardless.

Let’s hope he’s right. To get NY Yankee tickets feel free to click on the link.