- Associated Press - Wednesday, February 29, 2012

TAMPA, FLA. (AP) - Alex Rodriguez laughed off Bobby Valentine’s comments about his 2004 scrap with Jason Varitek, then made a brief statement and ducked through the crowd of reporters surrounding his locker.

Derek Jeter spoke longer, but was no less bemused.

The first Yankees-Red Sox stir of the new season appears to be fizzling out.

Valentine, Boston’s new manager, said Tuesday that Jeter didn’t need to make his famous flip-to-home relay during the 2001 playoffs and fondly recalled when Varitek “beat up” Rodriguez in 2004.

Rodriguez said Wednesday he didn’t want to get into a war of words with Valentine. Jeter found the topic ridiculous, saying he’s “indifferent” to Valentine’s jabs.

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