Despite the hopes of California teams, who prayed that CC Sabathia's ties to Northern California, and even some comments by Sabathia himself would lead to him signing with either the San Francisco Giants or the New York Yankees, the former Cy Young Award Winner seems headed to the highest bidder: the New York Yankees.
According to multiple sources, a preliminary agreement on a contract has been reached on a seven-year, $161 million deal. This deal will trail Alex Rodriguez’s $252 million, 10-year agreement with Texas, and his then $275 million, 10-year deal with the Yankees, Derek Jeter’s $189 million, 10-year contract with the Yankees.
Among pitchers it will top the $137.5 million, six-year contract signed by Johan Santana with the New York Mets last winter.
While both the Dodgers and the Giants were betting on a California influence, it appears that Sabathis is going with the highest offer. It will also be the highest pressure, with NY's intense media focus.
The Giants were making a bid on a high-priced pitcher despite their obvious huge mistake with Barry Zito two year ago. Sabathia should look at that as well; despite his obvious failings, the media has been RELATIVELY kind to Zito.
Sabathia had a so-so first part of the season with CLE this year, going 6-8, but then was light's out with MIL at 11-2, nearly becoming the first pitcher traded cross-league to become the Cy Young winner.
The eventual winner was Tim Lincecum of the SF Giants.
Once again the team with the biggest wallet has won out.
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