Cashman: Jeter should test the market if he doesn’t like our offer

That’s what he told Wallace Matthews of ESPN New York anyway:

“We understand his contributions to the franchise and our offer has taken them into account. We’ve encouraged him to test the market and see if there’s something he would prefer other than this. If he can, fine. That’s the way it works . . . We feel Derek Jeter gives us the best chance to win. But we’re not dealing with Derek alone. We’re dealing with our closer, we’re trying to add to our club, and if putting all out eggs into one basket takes away from our ability to add to our club, I ain’t gonna do it.”

That’s most likely it was rhetorical, meant more to signal to Casey Close that he needs to negotiate with the team rather than grouse to the Daily News or whoever. Of course, the team is clearly planting its talking points with the New York Times and now ESPN New York, so they’re all a part of the same hypocrisy, Senator. It’s just that Cashman has the leverage, it seems, so his little digs are way more delicious.

Know what else would be delicious? If Brian Sabean offered Jeter a three-year, $50 million deal right now, with the stipulation that Jeter can wear a robe out to batting practice every day that says “Derek Jeter: Shortstop for the World Champs,” just so he could piss off the Yankees. Make it happen, Brian. We all need this. Badly.