Sabathia to Yanks

Buster Olney of ESPN has reported the C.C. Sabathia will sign with the New York Yankees. The contract is believed to be worth $161 million over 7 years, with a chance to opt out after 3 years. This is $21 million more than the Yankees original offer of six years. 140 million.

Sabathia was the most sought out pitcher and many people thought he was headed out west when he didn't accept the first offer. Sabathia is arguably the best pitcher in the league along with Santana and Lincecum, in my opinion.

This is a HUGE day for the Yankees. If the Yankees can sign another pitcher like Sheets, Burnett, or Lowe, then New York can possibly get 80 wins just from their starters. A lot of people are questioning the Yankees and saying that they gave him too much money, but how can you say that when you look at the guys past. He didn't just have a great second half with the Brewers last year, he has been a top pitcher for years now. Everyone slammed the Yankees last year after not getting Johan, but now it is the Yankees who look like geniuses. They didn't give up any prospects and they got an amazing pitcher. I can't wait for C.C. to dominate in 2009.

Winter Meetings Update

According to MetsBlog, the Mets have offered Fransisco Rodriguez a 2 year deal, with a third year player option. The deal is reportedly worth $12 Million per season.

This doesn't make much sense to me. All the talk surrounding K-Rod suggests that he is seeking a 4 year deal, and I feel like such a low ball offer might come as an insult. Come on Omar

Chicago Sun Times writer Gordon Wittenmeyer discusses the increasing likelihood that Jake Peavy will join the Cubs.

Personally, I am not buying this rumor until I get a legitimate source. After all, it was widely discussed that Peavy would be a Brave "by Thanksgiving". But imagine a rotation of Peavy, Harden, Zambrano, Dempster, and Lilly.

According to mlbtraderumors, the Marlins and Giants are discussing a swap of Jorge Cantu and Jonathan Sanchez.

I really like the Giants commitment to improving their offense. And I feel like this would be an absolute steal for them. Sanchez is little more than an average pitcher, and Cantu has 35+ HR potential.

Gordon Edes of Yahoo Sports claims that Manny Ramirez never even responded to their 2 year offer. Which confirms my belief that the Dodgers never actually wanted to resign Manny. Instead it was a move to appease their fanbase.

The article also claims that the Dodgers have reached a tentative agreement with third baseman Casey Blake, and are making progress in resigning Rafael Furcal.

Jon Heyman believes that the Brewers are back in the C.C. Sabbathia sweepstakes. The Brewers, according to sources, are open to adding a sixth year for Sabathia, which would likely raise their offer from $100 million to close to $120 million.

Here's my take on Sabbathia. As dominate as he was last season, I don't like the idea of tying up $120 Million over 6 years for a power pitcher who checks in at nearly 300 pounds. The potential for long term injury is enormous.

Thats all I've got...I'm still waiting for the hot stove to finally heat up. I'm feeling confident that the Mets will leave Las Vegas with a closer, but other than that the big name players are seemingly hesitant to sign.

Major League Baseball and the Economy

Whether people want to admit it or not, it is clear that we are facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. But will the tumultuous economy have a profound impact on Major League Baseball? A recent New York Times article addressed this question:

At the moment, baseball is bucking a trend. Teams are about to start awarding free agents lavish contracts that, in at least two instances, will almost certainly top $100 million. Meanwhile, the stock market continues to sink, retirement accounts are disappearing and the Big Three automakers are on the verge of bankruptcy.

It is unclear how much baseball is insulated from the nation’s economic problems and whether teams will cut back on the money they might normally offer free agents, or take other measures to save money.To date, the most vivid example that teams are keeping a close watch on the economy came last week, when the Boston Red Sox, a model of success on and off the field, announced they would not raise ticket prices for the first time since 1994.

As for baseball’s free agents, first baseman Mark Teixeira and pitcher C. C. Sabathia seem likely to end up with multiyear deals that could be worth close to $150 million. Others, like outfielder Manny Ramírez and pitcher A. J. Burnett, could easily get deals that top $50 million. Volcker’s remarks to the owners were unlikely to dampen those deals, but lesser free agents could be affected.

In my opinion, I believe it is time for teams to cut back on spending, at least until our economic issues are resolved. Now don't get me wrong, I believe players earn their paychecks, and I'm not complaining about high profile players. Instead, I believe the issue lies within low level players with inflated salaries.

Craig Calcaterra of ShysterBall recently worte an article discussing average salaries in the MLB. According to the MLBPA, the average salary in major league baseball is $2.93 Million. Although this is a slight decrease from 2007, I still believe that number is too high for an average salary. I have no problem with guys like A-Rod, Johan Santana, and CC Sabbathia getting contracts upwards of $100 Million. But the problem exists with contracts such as Geoff Jenkins ($13 Million/2Y), Marlon Anderson ($2.2 Million/Y), Kenny Rogers($8 Million/Y). Its killing the free agent market. If a career pinch hitter like Marlon Anderson gets $2.2 Million, then what is an all-star caliber Outfielder worth. Apparently about $100 Million (Torii Hunter).

My opinion on this subject is an unpopular one, but quite frankly I don't really care. As long as average players continue to get inflated contracts, my ticket prices will continue to rise. And in our current economy, thats something we cannot afford.

Free Agency Blitz

Its that time of year again, and it almost feels like Christmas. In just over an hour, 330 players will hit the open market. This years class is headlined with big name stars, including CC Sabbathia, Manny Ramirez, and Mark Teixera.

With all the hype around Manny, CC, and Tex, I thought I would take a closer look at the other 327 free agents. These are the players I'm more interested in, because the first three will receive outrageous multi-year contracts, that they will probably not live up to. Here are some of the key free agents I've got my eye on.

• Joe Beimel- The best reliever you've never heard of. Beimel was lights out last year posting a 2.02 ERA in 71 appearances. His high WHIP is a little bit of a concern, but at just 31 years old Beimel is in his prime and poised to build of last years success.
• Casey Blake- Blake may be a little old, but hes a model of consistency. You can expect .270 20 HRs 80 RBIs year in and year out. But more importantly Blake plays the game the right way, and he's the type of guy I want on my team.
• Jason Varitek- I've always considered Varitek to be overrated, and I was disgusted to see him make the all-star team this year. However, according to a 2008 players poll, Varitek is the best in the majors at calling games. This is something that doesn't show up in the stat sheet, and Varitek has long been a key ingredient to the success of the Red Sox. He may not have much left in the tank, but he will come at a big time discount after last years offensive mess.
• Pat Burrell- Public Enemy Number #1 to Mets fans (recently replaced by Shane Victorino), this man has caused a great deal of pain and suffering for me. But I can't help but respect him. He is one of the worst defensive players in the entire league, but Pat the Bat can flat out hit. He might not be a good fit for National League teams, because within the next year or two he will probably become a full time DH.
• Milton Bradley- Another man who I really don't like, I'm actually surprised that there isn't more hype surrounding Bradley. Last season, Bradley had a breakout season, overcome his ADHD and nearly lead the American league in batting. Clubhouse issues may be a concern, but if Bradley can remain healthy and consistent, he will be a steal for whoever signs him.