Hank Steinbrenner speaks about Mariano & Jorge

"Mariano already has been given an improved offer, and Jorge's will be today," senior vice-president Hank Steinbrenner said. "We're kind of hoping to get an answer at least on one of the two tonight.

• "A lot of that now that the players and agents do, it's just spin," Steinbrenner said. "But the bottom line is I think he means it."

Rivera, an eight-time all-star, was in the Dominican Republic on Monday. Rivera, who turns 38 on Nov. 29, said Monday if he couldn't reach a deal with New York, he would consider following manager Joe Torre to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The closer is expected to receive a three-year contract.

• "The Yankees are my first option," he said in Santo Domingo. "But if that is not possible, there is Joe with the Dodgers."

"The ball's pretty much in their court now. They've both been made very good offers now, and we'll see where they're at," Steinbrenner said. "We'll see how committed they are.""

• Report from Canadian Press, "Yankees Upping Contract Offer to Free Agent Catcher Jorge Posada"

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