TAMPA, Fla. -- George Steinbrenner was trying to motivate All-Star shortstop Derek Jeter with his offseason comments.

	Steinbrenner

"I was trying to get him completely focused,'' the New York Yankees' owner said Thursday. "I said I need that for this year. For us to prevail, we need him completely focused. He's that important to the team.''

Steinbrenner said he thought Jeter was getting the message that was intended.

"I think Joe Torre will get that across to him,'' Steinbrenner said. "I think he's going to be fine. He always gives 100 percent. But I need 110 percent. Let's put it that way.''

Torre has been a strong supporter of Jeter.

"As soon as you find out how to do that let me know,'' said Torre, when asked about Steinbrenner's 110 percent comment. "I sort of shake my head when I see anybody want 150 or 120 or 110. I'm not sure if there is more than 100 percent.''

	Jeter

In a December interview with the New York Daily News, Steinbrenner said: "How much better would he be if he didn't have all his other activities? I tell him this all the time. I say, 'Jetes, you can't be everything to everybody. You've got to focus on what's important.' ... When I read in the paper that he's out until 3 a.m. in New York City going to a birthday party, I won't lie. That doesn't sit well with me.''

Jeter hit .297 with 18 homers and 75 RBI in 157 games last season. A .317 lifetime hitter, Jeter's batting average has dropped each of the past three seasons.

"I just want him to come up to that level that he can be,'' Steinbrenner said.

Jeter repeated Thursday that the matter is closed.

"It's done, from my point of view,'' Jeter said. "When something is over in my mind, it's done. With him, it's over.''

He and Steinbrenner met to discuss the issue before spring training.

Spring training instructor Don Mattingly, a former first baseman for the team, said the whole matter is just part of the package when playing for the Yankees.

"It was part of it 15, 20 years ago, it's part of it today, and it will probably be part of it five or 10 years from now,'' Mattingly said. "I don't have any advice for Derek other than 'be himself.' He's handled himself great so far. He's won championships, he's a great player and he's been a great guy for the team. There's no reason to think that won't keep happening.''

Torre said the whole situation should not be a distraction.

"It's not going to change anything we do here,'' Torre said. "Just more questions to answer. The most important think is not the distraction, but using the distraction to make an excuse for not being able to perform. There's no patience with that. As far as affecting players, I guess we'll have to wait and see.''

Steinbrenner said Torre shouldn't be worried about his job, even though the Yankees haven't won the World Series since 2000.

"He's as safe as any manager in baseball,'' Steinbrenner said. "He's a great manager. He's my friend. I rely on him. I have confidence in Joe Torre. He was never a question.''

Steinbrenner said the Yankees faced a big burden when it comes to the luxury tax and revenue sharing. The Yankees currently are projected to pay $45 million in revenue sharing and $11 million in luxury tax.