MLB

HANK HAS CASHMAN IN LIMBO

ST. PETERSBURG – Hank Steinbrenner hovered above the crumbling Yankees universe yesterday like a thick fog. In yesterday’s Post that was passed around the Yankees’ clubhouse, Steinbrenner’s remarks about it being time for the Yankees to “decide to earn” their money were read.

Asked by The Post if he had discussions about lame duck GM Brian Cashman’s future – his contract is over after the season – Steinbrenner admitted he didn’t.

“No, I haven’t,” Steinbrenner said of discussing an extension with Cashman. “At this point we are all concerned with righting the ship.”

Steinbrenner, who was in attendance for last night’s 2-1 win over Tampa Bay, is so focused on getting his $209 million investment upright that he has put the future face of the front office on hold.

With 4½ months remaining on the schedule, Cashman’s deal expiring following the season and the Yankees’ lineup wilting under injuries to Alex Rodriguez (right quad) and Jorge Posada (right shoulder), Steinbrenner has more pressing matters on his mind than who sits in the GM chair next season.

Cashman refused to comment when asked if he had been offered an extension by Hank Steinbrenner. It is possible that Hal Steinbrenner, who has as much say in decisions as Hank, has talked to Cashman about an extension.

When Cashman negotiated a three-year deal worth $5.4 million following the 2005 season, he was granted full control of baseball decisions by George Steinbrenner, who hadn’t stepped away from the day-to-day operations.

george.king@nypost.com