Jeter talks vision for Marlins: 'I'm an optimist'

MIAMI -- Derek Jeter's vision for building the Marlins into a sustainable franchise gained national attention on Tuesday night, and not just to a sports audience.
CBS Evening News with Jeff Glor profiled Jeter as he is about to enter Spring Training for the first time as the Marlins chief executive officer.
After a brilliant playing career as the captain of the Yankees, Jeter has been the subject of scrutiny in a busy offseason for the Marlins. The organization has redirected this offseason, trading Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, Christian Yelich and Dee Gordon as part of a rebuilding process.
"Honestly, I don't really pay much attention to it," Jeter said of the public backlash. "I'm an optimist. I get it, the fans are frustrated because it's a complicated history. But, the bottom line is, we're not changing something here that's been working. You can become irritated, if it affects your business, you can become irritated. I get calls from friends and family, they say, 'How are you doing down there? How's everything going?'"

The CBS Evening News crew met with Jeter last Saturday during FanFest at Marlins Park.
Without a deep farm system, the new ownership group decided to part with core players, and start the rebuilding process. Jeter repeated his position that the organization hasn't had a winning season in eight years, and last made the playoffs in 2003.
The Marlins open Spring Training on Wednesday with pitchers and catchers workouts in Jupiter, Fla. The Marlins face the Yankees in Spring Training on March 11 in Jupiter, and during the regular season in Interleague Play. Miami will be in New York from April 16-17, and the Yankees will be at Marlins Park from Aug. 21-22.
Jeter admitted it will be strange to face the franchise with which he is a legend. He noted he still will root for the Yankees, "Just not if we're playing them.
"It's an organization where I owe everything to," Jeter added. "But, yeah, it will be strange when we play the Yankees because there hasn't been a day in my life when I've not rooted for them."
In his role as Marlins CEO, Jeter underscored the fact that he is committed to Miami for the long haul.
What would Jeter want his legacy be to the fans of Miami 20 years from now?
"That we made this a fun place to come, that we built something they can be proud of," Jeter said. "We built something that's sustainable over time. I didn't get into this to have an exit strategy. I'm here to do it. Yes, in Miami."