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Derek Jeter sidesteps question about Rays ownership

 
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter laughs with teammates during Monday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. [JAMES BORCHUCK   |   Times]
Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter laughs with teammates during Monday's game against the Rays at Tropicana Field. [JAMES BORCHUCK | Times]
Published Sept. 16, 2014

ST. PETERSBURG — Retiring Yankees star Derek Jeter had high praise for Rays officials on Monday but wouldn't bite on a question about one day becoming their boss.

Speaking before his final series at the Trop, Jeter reiterated that he eventually "would love" to get into an ownership/decision-making role. Asked if he'd consider that with the Rays since he'll be living in Tampa, he replied: "You're trying to get me in trouble. Is there a tampering rule the other way around? I haven't thought about anything specific."

Jeter said he has been impressed with how the Rays improved starting in 2008. "They figured it out. They do a lot of things right," he said. "They have a lot of things they should be proud of."

The Rays will present gifts to Jeter and a donation to his foundation before tonight's game. Jeter, hitless in his past 24 at-bats, got Monday off.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer