By GEORGE KING

You may be sick of hearing about Alex Rodriguez’ $252 million contract but anything attatched to A-Rod is news and impacts the Yankees future.

Judging by the e-mails, Yankee followers are sick and tired of hearing about Alex Rodriguez’ contract. That’s understandable but when the highest-paid player in baseball is a Yankee and can become a free agent at the end of the season, that’s big news. Especially since every move A-Rod will make this year will be scrutinized as if world peace is at stake.

What A-Rod does after the season _ he can opt out of the final three years off the contract _ will impact the Yankees for years to come.

GM Brian Cashman said he won’t renegotiate and that if A-Rod is a free agent the Yankees will be in the hunt. Cashman has been consistent; refusing to talk extensions with Joe Torre, Mariano Rivera and Jorge Posada. Now A-Rod, is being treated the same way.

Agree or disagree with Cashman but give him this: he is consistent.

Will A-Rod split? Will he leave $81 million on the table? The betting money is he will but only he knows for sure and he isn’t saying anything definitive.