TAMPA, Florida. - Top New York Yankees prospects dined with Derek Jeter this week.

Since his retirement following the 2014 season, the former Yankee captain has gone to dinner every spring training with the group attending "Captain's Camp".

Pitchers Justus Sheffield and James Kaprielian were among 20 prospects who got to pick Jeter's brain on Tuesday night.

"You could hear a pin drop," Sheffield said on Wednesday. "As soon as he came in, I know for a fact that I was smiling. It's Derek Jeter, that's crazy.

"Everybody was locked in. He gave great feedback. He was open. Every question that was asked, he had a main point."

And one of the points was to remain positive.

"He doesn't like to think negatively," Sheffield said.

It was the first time Sheffield met Jeter. Kaprielian was also at last year's gathering.

"It's very casual. He said ask me anything about on or off the field, and I'll tell you the best answer I can," Kaprielian recalled.

"You look around the room, and all the guys were eyes open, ears open. It was pretty special for all to be there."

Rotation time

Meanwhile, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi said 36-year old left-hander CC Sabathia, coming off arthroscopic knee surgery in October, likely will pitch in simulated games instead of spring training exhibitions.

Girardi said Sabathia has not had any knee issues but the team is able to control his routine better with a simulated game.

Back-of-the-rotation candidate Bryan Mitchell will start Friday's spring-training opener against Philadelphia.

He will be followed in the rotation by fellow contenders Adam Warren, Luis Severino and Chad Green. Scheduled opening-day starter Masahiro Tanaka is to make his first outing on Tuesday.

Ellsbury upbeat

Through the first three seasons of his seven-year, $153 million contract with the Yankees, Jacoby Ellsbury has hit .264 - 33 points lower than his seven-season average with Boston.

"I've always looked to move on, no matter what kind of year I had," Ellsbury said on Wednesday.

"Last season is over. It's all what you do this season. I've worked hard this offseason, and I will continue it. That's all I can do."

Associated Press