More Bad News For The Yankees

This has been a terrible offseason for the Yankees. Jeter and the Yankees had a bit of a fallout, Lee went to the Phillies, Pettitte retired, Cashman is blasting moves they make, and Joba looks like he has gone on a bender since the end of last season. Now comes word that CC Sabathia will most likely opt out of his deal after this year.

Almost no one would walk away from $92MM, but CC can, because the Yankees need him that bad. He can basically demand whatever he wants from them, and they will have to cave, because the free agent pitcher for next offseason if looking pretty rough (Buehrle, CJ Wilson, Edwin Jackson, Kuroda, Pineiro). Those guys are decent, but there is no "ace" there. It's a smart move by CC, and he will get an insane contract if he has yet another strong year for them. Now you know why he showed up 25 pound lighter this year.

Sabathia/Yankees Update

According to Buster Olney, the meeting between Sabathia and the Yankees went "great". I would assume that they talked about why CC didn't jump on the Yankees huge offer, but if this report is true then there's a good chance the Yankees will sign him before Christmas. The good news is if the Yankees do get CC, they are most likely out of the hunt for Mark Teixeira.

-BMack

Free Agent Pitcher Updates

Here is the latest from what I have read.

Derek Lowe- D-Lowe has received offers from at least two teams. Only one of them is known, and that his the Phillies. Lowe is rumored to be looking for a 4 year deal worth about 60 million overall. Seems a little steep to me.

A.J. Burnett- Burnett is the big news of the day, it looks like he is close to signing with the Braves for 5 years for about 80 million. I really can't believe anyone would give this guy anymore then a 3 year deal. He is so injury prone, and seems to only play well during contract years. Then again, maybe a travel to the NL will make him the pitcher we thought he was going to be a few years back.

CC Sabathia - The Yankees are still waiting to hear if CC will take their 6 year $140 million offer. I don't think he will get anymore then that, and what really has to be scaring the Yanks is that he hasn't taken it yet. I mean it is a record deal, and CC doesn't seem giddy over it. Maybe he really doesn't want to play in the Bronx...

-BMack

Yankees Make Sabathia Record Offer

Not shocking, but the Yankees are going to make CC a contract offer, that will make him the highest paid pitcher of all-time, according to Hank Steinbrenner. I will admit I think this is a good move by the Yankees. Well, actually I think it is something they HAVE to do. The Yankees need a guy to anchor that rotation, and CC has shown he can do that. On top of that they have that huge new stadium opening this year, and what would make fan more excited then signing the best pitcher in free agency.

Anyways, the rumors are the contract will be bigger (possibly longer) then Johan Santana's $137.5 million, 6 year contract with the New York Mets. I think CC is going to have a terrible injury within the next year or two. The guy has just been over pitched, but once again, I think this is a deal that Yankees need and have to get done. They have the money to spend, so why not?

In other news the Yankees are apparently going to make offers to Lowe, and Burnett also. There is no word on what those contracts would look like, but I expect the Yankees to get Burnett (even if they get CC). He just seems like that typical Yankees free agent pickup. Meaning he'll probably play about 20 games over a 4 year contract. I think all this is great, because I haven;t heard the Yankees name once when it comes to Mark Teixeira, who I am still convinced is coming to the Sox.

-BMack

Brewers First To Offer CC Sabathia A Contract

The Brewers started the bidding war that's sure to get out of control this off-season. There hasn't been word about how much the Brewers offered, but my guess would put it around 5-7 years for about $120-150 million. CC really enjoyed his time with the Brewers, but there's just no chance that he's going to stay. First off, they don't have the location. Something tells me that CC doesn't want to spend his career in Milwaukee when teams like New York can give him all the exposure he wants, or a place like LA that can give him exposure, warm weather, and women.

Another reason he'll jump ship is because there's no guarantee that the Brewers will be good again. I mean CC had to basically pitch every game just to get them in the playoffs this year, and I just don't see this team being a power every year.

The last reason is teams like New York, LA, and Boston (among others) have much deeper pockets. What ever the Brewers offer him, these teams can match it, plus give him all the great things that come with playing in major market (commercials, fans, etc).

My only worry with CC is that there is too much mileage on this guy. I don't think the Sox will be after him, but even if they were I would be a little hesitant. He's pitched so many innings over the last two seasons that I think it's just a matter of time before he goes down. I know people will bring up his playoff stats, and how that should also be a concern, but I think that was only a problem because he was so overused.

-BMack

Phillies Beat Brewers 5-2, Take 2-0 Lead In Series

Was it because C.C. Sabathia was on 3 days rest for the 3rd time, or is it that he is just a bad postseason pitcher?

I believe that is from the lack of rest. That is asking a lot from anyone, and tonight, he finally wore down. Actually, I am starting to see a trend with him. Last year, the Indians had C.C. racking up a lot of innings, and he just looked worn out against the Sox in the playoffs. Obviously this year the Brewers had to pitch C.C. this much, since it was their only way of making the playoffs. Tonight, C.C. Sabathia only lasted 3 2/3 innings, and he let up a 5 run inning that ended up being enough for Brett Myers and the Phillies. To be honest it really wasn't the pitching that cost the Brewers it was their hitting. Only two players had hits tonight for them, and I don't know how Myers dominated these guys. In his last two outing he had let up 14 runs. Tonight, he went 7 innings allowing only 2 runs on 2 hits with 4 Ks. The Brewers look tired, and the Phillies look real dangerous, as Howard (0-3 tonight) hasn't even got going yet. The Phillies got 4 of their runs tonight off a Grand Slam by Shane Victorino, not bad for a guy who only had 14 HRs all year.

-BMack

Breaking News: C.C. Sabathia is now CC Sabathia

Formerly known Carsten Charles Sabathia will be now CC Sabathia, dropping the periods from his name. I like the new team, new name mentality. Also, I think with the trade this solidifies the Brewers as being the fattest team.

C.C. Sabathia is a Yankee

No, no, no, not yet, but at the end of the season, I have a real good feeling he will be. Get used to the photo above because C.C. said he will talk about his contract and future with the Indians after the season. This means a couple of things, 1. he thinks the Indians offered him a contract and he believed they low-balled him or 2. he does not want to stay with Cleveland after the season. I think with the Red Sox having to sign Beckett longterm after this season, they will not break the beak when it comes to Sabathia. You know who will however? That's right, the Yankees. Coming off another bad season (prediction) George will be willing to spend any amount to get C.C. and that is great figuring he is one of Bob's favorite players.

Why do all these Cleveland stars love rocking Yankees stuff?

DP