Report: Yankees owner denies GM rift

If there's a rift at the highest level of the New York Yankees organization, it's news to Hal Steinbrenner.

Steinbrenner told The New York Post that general manager Brian Cashman is doing superb work worthy of a contract extension, quashing recent speculation Cashman was either on the outs with the Steinbrenner family or was angling to distance himself from the Yankees.

"Really, there are no problems at all," Steinbrenner told the paper. "Brian calls me on my cell phone more often than I would even like. He and I talk on a daily basis multiple times. There is not much that he does without consulting me first. This has been a very good relationship."

Cashman's contract expires at the end of the upcoming season. Asked if he wanted Cashman to stay beyond that, Steinbrenner said, "Yes, absolutely. I think Brian does a great job. We need to sit and talk, but now is not the time for that."

In interviews this week, Cashman also insisted he is happy in the job and not looking to leave. Speculation to the contrary picked up speed when the Yankees were unable to sign No. 1 offseason target Cliff Lee and went through contentious negotiations with Cooperstown-bound shortstop Derek Jeter.

Then, at a news conference to introduce pitcher Rafael Soriano this month, Cashman spoke about recommending against the three-year, $35 million contract given the reliever. He also was reported to have raised eyebrows at a breakfast with fans, including making a remark that the Boston Red Sox are currently better than the Yankees.

Steinbrenner said he authorized the Soriano deal because he felt the club needed an "impact" move and that he was OK with Cashman expressing reservations.

"I value his opinion and his advice," Steinbrenner said. "That does not mean I am always going to go with that advice, and all of my VPs know that I might go a different way. There are no hard feelings between Cash and I. There never was. Reasonable men can differ in opinions."