Cash's deal close; he's unhurt in accident

Brian Cashman said two weeks ago that he expected his new contract to be done by Oct. 31. That appears to be the likely day -- or perhaps right after the conclusion of the World Series on Friday night -- when a new deal will be announced.

"It's fair to say it's just about done,'' a person familiar with the situation said.

Cashman, who was not injured in a minor auto accident Thursday night and who the team (for unrelated reasons) said Thursday would be "out of pocket'' to the media through the weekend, is at the end of a three-year, $6-million deal that expires Monday.

Cashman's signature on a new pact still is thought to be a formality.

Less of a formality is extending CC Sabathia, who has an opt-out clause in his contract that he has until three days after the conclusion of the World Series to exercise.

Talks with Sabathia's representatives very well could start over the weekend. The Yankees hope to persuade the lefthander not to opt out by adding more money and years to the $92 million and four years he has left on his current deal.

Six years could be a compromise landing spot for the sides; an insistence on a seventh year by Sabathia's representatives could present a sticking point.

Cashman, meanwhile, did make some news Thursday night as he rear-ended a vehicle in Norwalk, Conn., according to The Daily Norwalk. The team later released a statement saying Cashman was picking up dinner when his "car slid on wet pavement and bumped into the vehicle in front of him.'' According to the team and The Daily Norwalk, neither party suffered any injuries.

The team's release from Thursday that said Cashman would be "out of pocket'' was sent out about three hours before the fender-bender.

When Cashman is back in the pocket -- and, presumably, officially signed -- on Monday, he'll have issues other than retaining Sabathia to address.

The club also has options on Robinson Cano ($14 million) -- a shoo-in to be picked up -- and Nick Swisher ($10.25 million), which is not as concrete a certainty but still is likely.