According to NJ Advance Media’s Bob Klapisch, via a person with knowledge, the Yankees were “encouraged” by their meeting on Nov. 18, though owner Hal Steinbrenner told reporters days later that he had “no idea” where the Yankees stand.

An in-person pitch is pointless when the superstar spent the last seven months knocking pitches out of Yankee Stadium. The only thing Hal Steinbrenner & Co. have to do is pony up the money.