Alex Rodriguez may have just been a star Yankees player just a few short weeks ago, but now everybody is abreast of his man about town reputation, courtesy the rampant speculation about his dalliances with Madonna. The tabloids, entertainment shows, gossip blogs, and yes, even the cable news networks and morning shows have eagerly weighed in on the matter. And yes, he's even caught the attention of the one one woman who is supposed to be steering America's news cycle.

A-Rod kept his eyes in the zone - in this case, the backside of a brown-maned beauty - as he strolled through Midtown yesterday.

The slugger eventually caught the eye of the object of his apparent desire, who turned around for a flash of A-Rod's famous smile.

He had just left trendy Serafina on West 55th Street, where he was having lunch with pals, prompting passers-by - including CBS News anchorwoman Katie Couric - to marvel at who was getting all the attention from the press inside the eatery.

"Who's that? A-Rod?" Couric cracked to photographers outside.

When told yes, she strained to see him through the window. He motioned for her to come inside, but she waved him off.

[NYP]