Hank vs. Hal

According to Joel Sherman of the Post, there seems to be a conflict between George Steinbrenner's sons, Hank and Hal.

Hank Steinbrenner has continued to suggest the Yanks are in play for Santana, and a sense has percolated of a tug-of-war between Steinbrenner's willingness to surrender top youngsters and GM Brian Cashman's reluctance. But multiple sources say the media has focused on the wrong son of George Steinbrenner. These sources say Hal Steinbrenner is most responsible for dictating financial policy and does not want to spend the dollars in salary and luxury tax (nearly $30 million annually) necessary for Santana.

I think this could finally put an end to the Johan Santana/Yankee trade rumors to bed. Cashman has seemed hesitant to trade away the farm system that he has helped recover, and the Yankees have had to pay a large luxury tax bill each of the last five years.

If the Yankees don't end up trading for Santana, Cashman would have made a huge stand with the new owner. Hank Steinbrenner likes to talk a lot, but the decisions on players should ultimately rest with Cashman.