The idea of Manny Ramirez in pinstripes is very off-putting to many Yankee fans, but not to Derek Jeter.

Speaking at a charity event yesterday Jeter, who usually doesn’t speak out about free agents this way, expressed his belief that Manny would do fine in the Bronx.

“I don’t know him personally, with the exception of playing against him and on some All-Star teams,” Jeter said. “I know he’s had a lot of success everywhere he’s gone, and it seems his teams have done been pretty good.

“Not too many people have problems fitting in, I don’t think.”

This is a big step in bringing Manny to the Bronx. In the past few weeks it seemed like the Yankees refrained from making an offer partially due to Manny’s tendencies to, well, be Manny.

With Jeter extending the olive branch, it’ll be interesting to see if the Yankees extend a contract offer next.