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While working out at the Yankees' minor-league complex in Tampa, pitcher David Phelps has been snooping during shortstop Derek Jeter's practice sessions -- and he had this reaction:

“Derek looks amazing. That’s awesome.”

Phelps made the remarks to the Daily News as Jeter, the Yankees captain, tries to work his way back into shape after a lost 2013 season. Jeter, after breaking his ankle twice, played only 17 games last season.

“You can tell he’s determined to go out there and do well,” Phelps said. "If you had to place a bet on it, you know he’s going to go out there and have a good year. I’m really looking forward to seeing him play again. He’s having a lot of fun right now.”

With pitchers and catchers reporting on Valentine's Day and position players due in camp by Feb. 19, Jeter, 39, has spent two weeks fielding grounders and hitting in the cage.

“It’s great to see. Our team, he’s been the backbone for so long. He’s the only one of the Core Four left going and he means a lot to this organization. We do a lot better when he's in our lineup," Phelps said.

“You look in the past, this team’s usually only as strong as he is. It’s going to be nice having him back there behind us.”