Yankees reportedly re-sign Ryan to back up Jeter

NEW YORK -- The Yankees have re-signed shortstop Brendan Ryan, CBS Sports reported on Monday, securing a capable backup for team captain Derek Jeter.

General manager Brian Cashman confirmed the club's interest in Ryan during last week's General Managers Meetings in Orlando, Fla., and there had been discussions between the sides. The Yankees have not formally announced the signing.

Ryan, who turns 32 in March, seemed to be a good fit for the Yankees after being acquired from the Mariners in a September trade. A top-rated defensive shortstop, Ryan batted .220 (13-for-59) with one home run and one RBI in 17 games for New York down the stretch.

He was obtained for a player to be named, permitting the Yankees to place Jeter on the disabled list for the fourth and final time. Ryan is a .237 lifetime hitter over seven big league seasons with the Cardinals, Mariners and Yankees. In 87 games with Seattle last year, Ryan batted .192 (50-for-260) with three homers and 21 RBIs.

The Yankees have continued to state that they expect Jeter to be their starting shortstop in 2014, even as he was limited to just 17 games last season due to injuries. Cashman has been lukewarm about the idea of having Eduardo Nunez as Jeter's primary backup.