The Yankees' general manager has repeatedly said that it would be his recommendation not to negotiate with Rodriguez if he opts out of the contract, as they would lose the $22-million subsidy from the Rangers during the next three seasons. However, Cashman acknowledged last week that even though he is the GM, other people have stakes in the decision (i.e. owner George Steinbrenner and his sons, Hank and Hal).

But yesterday after meeting with the three Steinbrenners and other members of the Yankees' brain trust, Cashman said the team absolutely does not plan to negotiate with Rodriguez if he opts out. Another source familiar with talks said the Steinbrenners are on board with that.

"Yes, I can affirm that," Cashman said. "If Alex Rodriguez opts out of his contract, we will not participate in his free agency. That is accurate and that is definitive."

Rodriguez has three years and $81 million remaining on the 10-year, $252-million contract he signed with the Rangers in December 2000. He and his wife, Cynthia, spent the last several days meeting with agent Scott Boras in Newport Beach, Calif.

Boras has been talking up Rodriguez's value in recent days. He described A-Rod, who hit 54 homers and drove in 156 runs this season, as an IPN player, which stands for "iconic value," "production value" and "network value."

The Yankees are willing to give Rodriguez a lucrative contract extension. However, Boras can't get other teams involved in negotiations unless Rodriguez opts out. And he needs to keep the Yankees involved to drive the dollars up on what could be a historically large contract — the second of Rodriguez's career.

The Yankees drew a line in the sand yesterday, though. Rodriguez will only return to the Yankees if he decides not to opt out (thus leaving tens, if not hundreds of millions of dollars on the table) or if he agrees to an extension with the Yankees.

Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada were also discussed yesterday, a source said. Both can be free agents, but the club wants both back.