Cashman has positive meeting with Lee and his wife

Brian Cashman said Cliff Lee seemed to find the idea of pitching in New York "intriguing." That said, he figures Lee will have plenty of intriguing options to choose from by the time he's ready to make a decision.

Cashman flew to Arkansas Tuesday night and met with Lee, his wife, Kristen, and agent Darek Braunecker Wednesday night. There was no offer, but it was a chance for the Yankees' general manager to get some face time with a player he knows only by reputation and a chance to address any questions the Lees had about playing in New York.

And yes, the topic of Kristen's comments to USA Today, when she spoke of problems she had with some Yankees fans during the ALCS, was raised.

"Sure, it came up," Cashman said. "We talked about it. She loves New York. I don't want to speak for her, but I can just tell you I don't have any fear of any of the experiences that she's had in the New York area as being an issue. The feel I got from her, and him, is that this is a place that intrigues them a great deal. But unfortunately, I'm sure there's other places that will intrigue them as well."

It has been a busy few days for Cashman, who met with Derek Jeter in Tampa, told Jorge Posada he likely will be the team's primary DH next season and hopped a flight to Arkansas.

Cashman's public comments last night were his first since the start of free agency. He did break a little news, saying the first agent he talked to this offseason was Mariano Rivera's, Fernando Cuza. When Cashman was in Tampa for the organizational meetings, Cuza drove up from Sarasota. Like the get-together with Derek Jeter and Lee, Cashman said it was simply the infancy stages of negotiations.

Rivera, talking briefly with reporters last night, simply said: "I don't know anything. When I know, I will tell you guys." Asked if he hopes it will be a quick process, Rivera smiled and said, "I hope so."