TAMPA, Fla. -- Derek Jeter isn't about to get into an argument with George Steinbrenner about the owner's accusations that the New York Yankees' shortstop isn't focused enough on baseball.

	Jeter

"One thing you realize is, the Boss is the Boss,'' Jeter said Monday. "Right or wrong, he can say what he wants to say.''

In an interview with the Daily News in December, Steinbrenner said that Jeter was staying out too later and spending too much time on non-baseball activities.

"I want to see Jetes truly focused,'' Steinbrenner told the paper. "He wasn't totally focused last year. He had the highest number of errors he's had in some time. He wasn't himself.''

Jeter, a four-time All-Star, hit .297 with 18 homers and 75 RBI last season. He made 14 errors.

"We met, we talked about it and it's pretty much over with,'' said Jeter, who added that he won't change.

As he does each season, Jeter is among the players participating in early workouts. The sessions include batting practice and fielding grounders.

The Yankees are looking to rebound after losing 3-1 to Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs last year. It ended a streak of four consecutive AL pennants for New York.

"It's just extra motivation for this year,'' Jeter said.

Pitcher David Wells was also at the Yankees' complex Monday and again indicated the 2003 season might be his last.

"I'm looking at it as if it is and I'm going to have some fun,'' Wells said. "I feel great.''

Wells, who turns 40 in May, has been working out over the winter and has begun his throwing program.

Notes
The Yankees promoted three development officials. Lin Garrett was made vice president of scouting and player development, up from vice president of scouting, and Rob Thomson was given the title vice president and director of minor league operations, up from director of player development. Damon Oppenheimer was made vice president of professional scouting, up from director of player personnel.