WHY SABATHIA WILL TEST THE MARKET

"I love it here. There's nothing like pitching in pinstripes. There's nothing like pitching in front of the fans in the Bronx. I've had a great experience.”

–CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia would be a fool to tell the world he’s coming back to the New York Yankees a few days after losing the ALDS and actually do it right on the spot. Why would you expect him to just rush into Cashman’s office and sign a contract? He has an opt-out clause, right? He has that opt-out clause for 1 good reason, so he can exercise it. That’s what players do.

It’s exciting to know that our big ace loves New York and yes, we can hang on every word but we need to sit back and let things unfold. The ALDS just ended, and the Yankees season is complete. Players are taking a few things from their lockers at the stadium the next few days and then they’ll go home, watch some football, enjoy the family and then the agent and CC will chat. No doubt, they will conclude that testing the market is the best way to go, why not? This is a 19 game winner and for the past 3 years he been a true Yankee ace... plus he has 1 World Series ring. So, they’ll see what’s out there and who has money to spend, and this in turn, will drive the price up for the Yankees and ultimately, at least in my heart, CC will come back and the Yankees will spend more than they wanted to have CC back with the ball club. Expect that to happen at the end of the winter sometime, I say, right before Christmas. Yes. CC will be back with the Yankees, but it's going to take a few months. Let’s face it, there’s no one else out there and the Yankees know it. I mean, CJ Wilson is not Sabathia... you know what I mean?

All will be great in Yankeeland again, but I’m positive weight will be an issue in CC's contract this time around as well as some type of agreement that CC needs to be treated with respect, meaning, no more 6-man rotation bullshit if it means sacrificing his starts to “try out” starters for rotation spots. I believe both factors affected CC down the stretch in 2011 and if his agent was smart, which I know he is, this will be a valid point for his client. Yes, the Yankees could do the 6-man rotation thing, but CC pitches on his regular rest, no matter what. Respect the man that brought the Yankees 59 wins in 3 years.

Look, my gut tells me CC Sabathia will be back in pinstripes, no doubt, but he’s got to go through the opt-out routine, that’s just the way it is.

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