The Yankees negotiating strategy with free-agent shortstop Derek Jeter is "baffling," according to the player's agent. "There's a reason the Yankees themselves have stated Derek Jeter is their modern-day Babe Ruth," agent Casey Close told The New York Daily News. "Derek's significance to the team is much more than just stats. And yet, the Yankees' negotiating strategy remains baffling." Jeter became a free agent for the first time in his career when his 10 year, $189 million contract expired at the end of the 2010 season.