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b]Cash Money and Boras return from dinner [/b]

Sometimes in this business, you need a break. After writing my story, I went back to the lobby and chatted for a few minutes with George King of the Post.

A minute later, in walks Brian Cashman and Scott Boras. They had left the hotel for a meeting that lasted four hours. King and I were the only writers there to greet them. Like I said, sometimes you get lucky.

"Just two old friends having dinner," Cashman said with a wide, wide smile.

No, A-Rod is not getting traded. Cashman would not go into specifics but you can bet Boras will try and tie the Yankees to Barry Zito to raise his value even more. Cashman's agenda probably included Bernie Williams and lefty reliever Scott Schoenweis.

You can bet Cashman hanging with Boras for so long will start some buzzing tomorrow.

In a rare burst of public candor, Cashman said he respected Ted Lilly as a pitcher but the timing wasn't right to make an offer. He talked a bit about Andy Pettitte, saying there was nothing new to report. He said there was no side agreement with Ron Villone to decline arbitration so the Yankees can get a draft pick.

"He's free to accept it," Cashman said.

Given Villone seems to have no other firm offers, he probably will.

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