According to a team in discussions with the A's about Dan Haren, the Yankees are interested in the stud right-hander if Oakland is serious about moving him. Nevertheless, if the A's must have Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy, Haren won't land in The Bronx. "I always believed if the Yankees didn't get [Johan] Santana, they would make a pitch for Haren," a source close to the situation said yesterday. Despite repeated denials, the Yankees will be in the Santana sweepstakes as long as he is on the trading block. Nevertheless, the Yankees are reluctant to pay $20 million plus a year for seven years, which is what Santana will want to waive a blanket no-trade clause and accept the deal. Though Santana, who will be 29 in March, is considered the premier pitcher in baseball, many feel the 27-year-old Haren represents better value because he will make $16.25 million across the next three seasons. Haren was 15-9 with a 3.07 ERA in 34 starts this past season. Hank Steinbrenner said he believes A's GM Billy Beane's asking price for Haren could top what the Yankees offered (Phil Hughes, Melky Cabrera and a mid-level prospect) for Santana. "It's no secret that Billy Beane will be asking a lot for Haren," Steinbrenner said. "He could want more than Minnesota wanted, and that's unacceptable."