MLB

Yankees, Cashman haven’t talked contract

Having spent three days trying to fight through the depression that losing the ALDS to the Tigers delivered, the Yankees’ front office returns to work today.

Brian Cashman’s situation is atop the agenda but despite a report late Saturday night that said Cashman has started contract negotiations with the Steinbrenner family, the general manager said yesterday that wasn’t the case.

Cashman said Monday he doesn’t have a timetable outside of when his three-year, $6 milion contract expires.

“My contract is up Oct. 31 and I don’t have any expectations of when (a deal is done),” Cashman said. “I am fine with that. I have no worries about it.”

COMPLETE YANKEES COVERAGE

Though CC Sabathia has until three days after the World Series ends to opt out of the remaining four years and $92 million on his contract, the Yankees likely will discuss making a contract offer to their ace before the opt out date.

The Yankees are not allergic to doing a new deal with the 31-year-old as long as the 19-game winner isn’t looking in the eight- or nine-year range.

Sabathia, whose agent, Greg Genske, put the opt out clause in the contract to give the pitcher an escape hatch if he didn’t like pitching in New York, might be willing to talk a new deal before the opt out date so he can avoid the criticism that was showered on Alex Rodriguez when he opted out during the 2007 World Series.

If Sabathia wants to put more than one team in play he will become a free agent. That doesn’t mean he won’t return but it gives other clubs a chance to court him.

From all indications, Sabathia enjoys pitching in The Bronx and living in Bergen County.

Other issues to be discussed in the upcoming days are what to do about Nick Swisher’s $10.25 million option and analyzing what names in the upcoming free agent class might fit.

The switch-hitting right fielder has been a productive player in three regular seasons (.267/81/256) and a disappointment in each October.

However, the Yankees’ system is devoid of an outfield prospect ready to play in the big leagues.

An option could be free agent Michael Cuddyer, a 32-year-old right-handed hitting outfielder who can also play third and first and is a strong clubhouse presence. He made $10.5 million this season for the Twins when he batted .284 with 20 homers and 70 RBIs.

The Yankees will also follow what agent Scott Boras asks for Carlos Beltran.

Even though the Yankees’ rotation was better than expected from Opening Day to Game 5 of the ALDS, it needs upgrading and Texas lefty C.J. Wilson will be top pitcher in a very short market.

george.king@nypost.com