The last small, but real, lifeline between the Yankees and Alex Rodriguez still exists - arbitration. When asked last weekend if the Yanks would offer arbitration to Rodriguez, GM Brian Cashman said, ?of course." But the idea was not based on retaining A-Rod. Cashman thought there was little possibility Rodriguez would accept a one-year deal. ?It is about the two draft picks," Cashman said. ?By offering arbitration, we get the first-round pick of the team that signs him and a sandwich pick." Teams have until Dec. 1 to offer arbitration to their own free agents, and players must accept or reject by Dec. 7. If the player accepts, he is deemed a signed player and would either negotiate a contract or have an arbitrator decide the outcome.