While reading an ESPN chat, I came across an interesting interview with Brian Cashman.

Of particular interest, to me at least -

Interviewer - And if Alex opts out, the Yanks will not pursue him?

Cashman - If he opts out, we won't pursue him. It's basically economics. Any discussions will have to be prior to opting out. If he opts out, we will have to go in a different direction.

Hmmmm....

The whole article is a good read, for those of you interested in knowing thine enemy.