Hal Steinbrenner on Thursday attempted to end speculation about a rift between him and general manager Brian Cashman. The Yankees' managing general partner praised Cashman's job performance, telling the New York Post that the GM's opinions were valued by the rest of the management team and that Cashman had done nothing to lessen his stature within the organization. Steinbrenner said that he would be interested in retaining Cashman's services beyond the general manager's current contract, which is set to expire at season's end. "[Cashman] and I have a great working relationship," Steinbrenner said. "There is no problem, right now. I think we have had a bunch of drummed-up drama."