Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter is slumping at the wrong time with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Two former teammates believe that Jeter won't let his slump hamper his value in contract talks, including the possibility of asking for money similar to Alex Rodriguez. "It's up to (the Yankees)," one former player said. "Knowing Jeet, he's not going to let an off-year, if it turns out to be an off-year, play a role in what he thinks he should get paid. He just doesn't think like that. He'll be more convinced than ever that he'll come back and hit .330 next year." Another teammate agreed. "The question is whether (Brian) Cashman and the others think this is the start of a decline," he said. "And if so, are they going to factor it into the negotiations or just pay him for being the face of the franchise all these years? Knowing Derek, he'll say all the right things, but he won't give an inch based on his numbers this season."