Not that you’d expect ownership to say otherwise, but Hal Steinbrenner appeared on WFAN and 1050 ESPN Radio yesterday and said that while he considers Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera “career Yankees,” both he and his brother Hank “realize that we’re running a business here.” And speaking about Jeter, he offered up the requisite quote about how the shortstop is “one of the greatest players in franchise history,” but added that “There’s always the possibility that things could get messy.” But again, that the Steinbrenners intend to negotiate contracts they’re comfortable with, as opposed to handing out blank checks, isn’t exactly a surprise. In other news, Hal said that the 2011 payroll will stay “within the same level” as this year’s $206.3 million figure. Said Hal: “If we have to get creative in a trade or if we have to go after a big free agent, we’re going to do it.” But you knew already that, too. [Blogging the Bombers/NYDN, Star-Ledger]