Brewers Acquire Sabathia

According to multiple sources, the Brewers and Indians have agreed to a trade involving CC Sabathia and Matt LaPorta. This is a good move for Milwaukee as they now have two ace starters in Sabathia and Ben Sheets. The question is whether or not Doug Melvin and company will pony up the dough to keep Saba in Miller Park.

Tribe Scoping Out Baby Bombers

According to Jon Heyman, the Cleveland Indians are now scouring through the Yankees minor league system with the intent of finding a worthy package for their ace CC Sabathia:

The Indians have begun scouting the Yankees' system to see if they can find anything to interest them in case they decide to trade C.C. Sabathia. They have told teams they have to get better than the two draft choices they'd get if Sabathia left as a free agent. Sabathia, who's likely just a rental pitcher (though a great one), is believed to be interested in a "Johan Santana contract.'' Good luck there. Sabathia's a nice kid and he's lefthanded, but he should get into Johan Santana shape before anyone agrees to give him six years. The Dodgers, Red Sox, Phillies and Cubs also are believed to be interested.

Not that Sabathia is on Santana's level, but Heyman's dismissal is so strong he would have you believe the topic of conversation was Jarrod Washburn and not a 27 year-old southpaw who throws 97 mph and is coming off a Cy Young season.

Heyman seems to really enjoy lauding Santana and the Mets at times and has a little bit of Lupica in him regarding the Yankees. Nothing wrong with that, but the grand slam Felix Hernandez [yes, the pitcher] hit off Santana tonight might make him pipe down a bit on that front.

BL's Sabathia Trade Proposal

As the Yankees universe waits with baited breath to hear how long Chien Ming Wang will be out due to yesterday's foot injury, the trade rumors have begun to circulate with frenetic pace. In the offseason the Yankees passed on a Johan Santana trade because they felt the asking price [players & money combined] was far too steep.

Should Wang be out for an extended period of time or for the season, the need for an ace-type pitcher becomes a necessity and not a luxury for the Yankees. The fact that a Sabathia deal would not demand as much talent as a Santana trade is also interesting.

However, any trade for CC Sabathia must give the Indians more value than they perceive they could possibly acquire in the form of two compensation picks in next year's draft. Essentially, a trading partner looking to pick up Saba must put together a package with equal talent to a couple of first rounders.

Here's my first proposal though I preface by admitting some other players [mentioned later] would also be feasible additions during further negotiations:

Cleveland gets: Jose Tabata; Ian Kennedy; Alan Horne and JB Cox [or Dan McCutchen and Ross Ohlendorf]

New York gets: Carsten Charles.

The Indians would be buying low on Kennedy/Horne who are both working their way back from injuries. But, they would also be getting two young starters who totally dominated last season and are at or on the verge of staying at the big league level.

In Tabata, the Indians will be getting the high ceiling corner outfielder they desire. The Yankees are - like Kennedy - selling a top prospect at a bargain price. The upside on Tabata is still tremendous, and Cleveland scouts know this.

Finally, to offer a little bit of flexibility, the Indians can choose from a high level prospect close to the majors [Horne and Cox] or a more serviceable, versatile starter [McCutchen] as well as a power pitching reliever already with big league experience [Ohlendorf]. Scott Patterson could also be substituted in any deal as a viable reliever on the brink of the bigs.

The Untouchables:
The following players in my mind would be completely untouchable in a Saba deal - Robinson Cano, Phil Hughes, Mark Melancon, Austin Jackson, Jesus Montero, Andrew Brackman.

Tough Sells:
These players should be available to deal, though it may be difficult for the fanbase to accept - Dellin Betances, Zach McAllister, Dave Robertson, Brett Gardner, Humberto Sanchez.

Sabathia Rumors Abound

BL favorite Dan Graziano has a story appearing in Sunday's Star Ledger which describes the increasing buzz around a potential CC Sabathia trade.

The Indians have seen multiple tough injuries hit multiple important players like Victor Martinez and an already slumping Travis Hafner. Combined with a poor start [currently 6.5 games behind a mediocre White Sox squad], the Indians have been forced into entertaining offers for their Cy Young lefty.

About a month and a half ago, The Star-Ledger reported that the Cleveland Indians had told their scouts to pay special attention to the farm systems of certain select teams (Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Mets, some others) that would be likely to have interest in ace lefty C.C. Sabathia if the Indians decided to put him on the trade market this summer.

Stay tuned on Sabathia, because if the depleted Indians don't go on a real serious hot streak soon, you're going to be hearing his name a lot.

Graziano also mentions that Boston and Wrigleyville have already expressed interest in Saba, though nobody knows if this is yet another smokescreen [see: Santana, Johan] perpetrated by the Red Sox.

Seems unlikely the Indians will simply accept two first round picks and let Sabathia go without at least exploring his trade value. Whether or not a trade actually takes place is in Shapiro's hands. It would be hard to fathom the Yankees giving up an immense package and mega contract to CC if they wouldn't do it for Santana.

Rest assured, we'll be hearing a lot about Mr. Carston Charles.

Jim Callis Chat Highlights

Yesterday's ESPN chat with Jim Callis leaked some interesting opinions on CC Sabathia as well as prospects Alan Horne and Jose Tabata:

Bryan-MA: Sabatthia will sign for $________ in 2009 to play for the _________________?

Jim Callis: seven years and $150 million, Yankees.

Jeff (CT): Best Yankee pitching prospect in the Minors is?

Jim Callis: Alan Horne.

Justin (NY): Yankees number 1 prospect for the 2009 season; Austin Jackson, Jose Tabata, or Jesus Montero

Jim Callis: I'll go with Tabata.

The Sabathia contract prediction seems a little more substantial than I'd expect, especially if the Indians ace is agreeable to a five year contract before again testing the free agent market at age 32.

I would agree with Callis' prediction on Tabata and Horne is probably the easy choice regarding pitching prospects. The real question is who is #2.

Journal News: Sabathia 'Audition'

Yesterday, CC Sabathia walked three and gave up five hits - including a towering two-run blast by Shelley Duncan - over four innings. However, the Yankees fans on hand made sure the hefty lefty knew how much he was wanted in pinstripes:

With the new Yankee Stadium being built with the same dimensions as the old one, having left-handers in the rotation will remain a priority. The Yankees also could need a starter as Mike Mussina and Andy Pettitte will contemplate retirement after this season.

Sabathia would give the Yankees a veteran at the top of the rotation, easing the pressure on young right-handers Joba Chamberlain, Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy.

Even the money could make sense. The Yankees can easily better the offer Cleveland has made as the expiring contracts of Mussina, Pettitte, Bobby Abreu, Kyle Farnsworth, Jason Giambi and Carl Pavano will clear $80.5 million off the books at the end of the season.

Several Yankee fans in the crowd shouted at Sabathia that they hoped to see him in pinstripes next season. He smiled when told that he was the object of their affection.

"I have nothing to say to that," he said. "I'm just focused on this year, then we'll see what happens."

CC Kills Contract Talks

According to the AP [via ESPN], Cleveland ace CC Sabathia has cut short contract talks. Sabathia cites the continuing discussion of a contract extension as a potential distraction for himself and his team.

Ever since Johan Santana signed off on a trade and contract which made him a Met and the highest paid pitcher in MLB history, industry sources began pondering the final destination of Sabathia. Many have labeled him the second prize to the Santana sweepstakes.

Suffice to say that the New York Yankees will have an interest in the 2007 AL Cy Young Award winner. It also goes without saying that the Yanks will have plenty of competition for such a free agent signing. Today's report of Sabathia cutting off talks is one of several small steps which lead to him walking out of Cleveland - and into a more pricey salary and address.

Call me an idiot, but I would like to see Sabathia remain in Cleveland. It would be good for the city and for baseball in general. However, the realists in all of us probably believes CC is on his way out of Ohio following the upcoming season. From the article:

The cold, hard reality is that C.C. Sabathia's days with the Cleveland Indians could be dwindling.

At this time next year, Sabathia could be somewhere else, pitching for somebody other than the only team he has ever known.

"I can't think like that," Sabathia said after a brisk workout on Tuesday morning. "I don't want to go through the season thinking this will be my last year. I want to help my guys here win."

At the end of December, the Indians offered Sabathia, who has a 100-63 career mark, a four-year extension believed to be worth between $17 million and $18 million per year. He's represented by Legacy Sports Group.

Sabathia said the two sides never got close to a deal.

"The Indians sent a proposal," he said. "We couldn't get any common ground on it. Coming into spring training I want to focus on the team and not make it a distraction. I've seen it be a distraction for guys in this clubhouse and I don't want it to be that way for me, so I decided to put it on the shelf."

Last week, Sabathia announced through his website that talks had hit a standstill. Therefore, this is not really "news," but his public statements give it a little more relevance as opposed to rehashing stale items.

Sabathia will not be traded this year. Or at least so says the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Should the Indians fall way out of contention before the trading deadline, Mark Shapiro may reconsider dealing CC Sabathia.

"Our priority is to win now," said GM Mark Shapiro on Thursday as spring training officially opened with pitchers and catchers reporting to camp.

Win now means keeping their best starting pitcher even though he can be a free agent after this season. Shapiro has said that all winter.

"Nothing has changed," he said.

On the other hand, the Akron Beacon Journal reports the Indians will not give up on completing a Sabathia contract extension before his impending free agency - though many in Cleveland already believe the lefty has one foot out the door.

Sabathia: Talks Can Wait

If CC is to remain a Cleveland Indian, he will have to work something out at the end of the season as other big market clubs wait to make offers as well. According to his website via an AP report, Sabathia is quoted as saying "there will be time after the season...to discuss my contract status."

From the article:

On Sabathia's Web site, he posted this message: "This offseason, through my representatives at Legacy Sports Group, I have discussed the possibility of a contract extension with the Cleveland Indians. At this time, we haven't been able to reach agreement. Now that the reporting date for spring training is here, it is time to put aside contract discussions so that I can focus all of my energies and attention on preparing for the upcoming season.

"I look forward to a successful 2008 season, both for myself and for the Indians as a whole."

"I will do everything within my power to help the club to its first World Series appearance since 1997 and its first World Series Championship since 1948.

"There will be time after the season for the Indians and my representatives to discuss my contract status. I remain hopeful that these discussions will result in a contract extension that will keep me with the franchise for many years to come. In the meantime, in order to avoid any distractions, my representatives and I will not make any further comment about my contractual situation beyond this statement."

The article also says Sabathia and his agent broke off talks with Cleveland after they offered the lefthander a contract extension of four years at $17 or $18 million per season.

Deveney: Can Tribe Keep Sabathia?

Sean Deveney of The Sporting News offers his insights on the future of CC Sabathia, ultimately concluding the Indians lack the financial dedication to keep him.

According to the article, Cleveland's 2007 payroll was approximately $62 million, which ranked 23rd in Major League Baseball. Their payroll was largely held down due to bargain deals made for (then) budding stars Victor Martinez [5 years, $15 million] and Grady Sizemore [6 years, $23.5 million].

However, these rising stars will soon reach free agency and require the big bucks which goes along with it. Travis Hafner, for example, received a four year extension worth $57 million last year. Sabathia will likely require a contract that doubles Hafner's deal, leaving several baseball experts skeptical that Cleveland can keep the 2007 AL Cy Young winner.

From the article:

I asked an NL executive to take a stab at how much Sabathia, who has had some waistline issues in his career, would get on the open market. "He seems to have put all the questions about his body and conditioning behind him," he said. "Still, I don't think anyone would go beyond five years. Maybe he could get to six with incentives. If it stretches to six years, you'd have to think $130 million."

There's no way to know what the Indians' price range on Sabathia is. But we can guess it is lower than $130 million. The hope is that Sabathia will take a lesser deal to stay put, which is what Carlos Zambrano (five years, $91 million) did last season with the Cubs. But even if Sabathia is willing to give the hometown discount (five years, $100 million?), that discount still might not be enough for Cleveland. If you get a half-price bargain on a Lamborghini, you still need to come up with $160,000.

The metaphor of a Lamborghini's cost is an exceptional one. And even with a hometown discount, there is little reason to believe Sabathia would accept a contract which does not top $100 million. Most likely, Sabathia will require a deal which comes closer to $125 million.

Considering the $62 million payroll from last season, Deveney goes on to theorize the impact a Sabathia megadeal would have on future payrolls:

The Indians' payroll figures to jump to north of $80 million this year. That's with Sabathia at $11 million. It just doesn't seem likely that the Indians can afford to jump to nearly twice that number. The team is not expected to pursue trades for Sabathia -- not yet, at least -- but if the Indians can't find a solution in the next week or so, then this problem will continue to loom.

A well-written piece with very valid points. I don't believe the Indians have any intention of trading Sabathia, realizing their current roster has a great chance at repeating as AL Central champs in 2008. Removing Sabathia from their rotation would erase that possibility, especially if top pitching prospect Adam Miller takes another step backward following an injury ridden 2007.

That said, many Yankees scouts, fans and front office people will wince at the idea of paying a 300 lbs pitcher $100+ million. Should the young starting trio of Hughes, Chamberlain and Kennedy even come close to living up to some outlandish expectations, the need for CC will not be so needy.

Shapiro: Sabathia Won't Be Traded

According to GM Mark Shapiro, the Indians have no plans to trade CC Sabathia before or during the 2008 season.

Here are some of the thoughts Shapiro offered the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

The Indians, short of an early collapse this season, won't trade C.C. Sabathia.

Regardless of Johan Santana's contract with the Mets last week, General Manager Mark Shapiro believes it will be Sabathia's call on whether he stays in Cleveland after the 2008 season.

Shapiro thinks there are other contracts just as relevant to Sabathia's negotiations as Santana's record-setting, $137.5 million, six-year deal.

The five-year contract extension the Indians made to Sabathia at the end of December is not an ultimatum.

"I can't present you with a scenario where it's acceptable to us or to our relationship with our fans that involves trading C.C. or examining trading him," said Shapiro.

From the past week of Sabathia discussion, it seems as though the Indians will make their best offer - which many believe to be vastly inferior to what the Red Sox, Yankees and other big mark clubs can offer - and hope CC allows a hometown discount.

The Jake Peavy extension comes to mind when Shapiro implies other recent contracts given to high caliber pitchers, other than the Johan Santana's $150 million variety.


*Meanwhile . . The Telegraph Forum hopes believes the Indians should follow Minnesota's blueprint and trade Sabathia before he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. This would probably bring back more than a couple of draft picks for the dominant lefthander.

More Sabathia Implications

This will become a tiresome commentary, but Johan Santana's lucrative contract have ripple effects on the rest of the starting pitcher free agent crop, particularly fellow Cy Young lefthander CC Sabathia.

The AP published a story indicating how persuasive Santana's historic deal will become for Sabathia, his current general manager and the rest of baseball in general.

Some pieces from the article:

The mammoth [Santana] deal made headlines all around the country and rattled the Indians, who are attempting to sign C.C. Sabathia to a long-term contract. Now, they might have been priced out of any chance at doing so by the Mets' spending splurge.

The Indians recently offered an extension to Sabathia, the defending AL Cy Young Award winner who can become a free agent after the 2008 season. But that deal has now been dwarfed -- perhaps nearly doubled -- by Santana's record-setting package with New York.

"We recognize that the Santana deal is an added reference point in a contract discussion with C.C.," Indians general manager Mark Shapiro said Monday. "Every deal that deals with a pitcher of C.C.'s ilk is relevant. But in the end, the only thing that matters is how relevant C.C. and his agents feel it is."

The 27-year-old Sabathia has maintained he wants to stay in Cleveland, where he began his career, got married and began raising a family. "It's my second home," he said while back in town last month. And there's no doubt that the Indians want to keep Sabathia, who went 19-7 last season and became the club's first Cy Young winner in 35 years.

"The only question that remains is can we find a business deal that is deemed to be equitable and fair by both parties?" he said. "Any deal like that we could arrive at will cause both parties to reach and stretch beyond past their point of comfort. The question is, can we reach and stretch and arrive at a point we both feel good about? That remains to be seen."

While preparing their initial offer to Sabathia, the Indians analyzed recent deals signed by pitchers such as Jake Peavy (three years, $52 million), Roy Halladay (three years, $40 million), Chris Carpenter (five years, $63.5 million) and Carlos Zambrano (five years, $91.5 million) for comparison.

"Recognizing the market we're operating in, we have to be aware of risk and we have to be careful," Shapiro said. "There are people like C.C. who will push the boundaries of our risk tolerance. C.C., because of who he is as a person, as a teammate, as a man and what he can do on the mound, will push the boundaries of our risk tolerance.

"Frankly, he already has."

Shapiro would not confirm or deny a rumor that Sabathia rejected Cleveland's initial offer but did state the Indians would not shy away from a bidding war should the talented southpaw test free agency. Shapiro declared "We're not going away" and said the Indians "will be there in October and November" along with a host of interested suitors.

Shapiro does not seem resigned to the belief that the Indians cannot afford Sabathia, but many remain skeptical due to owner Larry Dolan's propensity for shying away from big ticket items once big market bullies throw their hat into the ring. Signing Sabathia to a megadeal which approaches Santana's extension - in the $110-125 million neighborhood - would be a huge departure for Dolan.

Sabathia Rumors Supplant Santana

Unfortunately for the strong corps of die-hard Cleveland fans, it appears as though they will now have the honor of being this month's version of the Twins fanbase - as they must deal with the prospect of losing a Cy Young winning lefthander to free agency because their franchise won't pony up the money to keep him.

According to several reports, Cleveland offered CC Sabathia a four year extension worth about $70 million on top of the $11.25 million he will make in 2008. A contract of $80+ million will not hold last year's AL Cy Young winner, particularly after witnessing Santana bank over $150 million last week.

Some locals address the Sabathia issue:

· Cleveland Plain Dealer says Indians need to up their offer to Sabathia.

· The Akron Beacon Journal ponders whether or not Sabathia will stick around.

· The Chicago Tribune believes the Johan Santana deal puts Sabathia's future on deck.

Sabathia A Tough Sign For Tribe

Because of the expected historical deal Johan Santana will receive from the Mets, Cleveland ace and dominant lefthander CC Sabathia will become a difficult sign for the Indians. Sabathia is eligible for free agency following the 2008 season, however his name has not yet been bandied about in trade rumors.

The report continues by speculating "the Indians are not going to give Sabathia a contract for that much money or that many years." From the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

The next person to stop at Seven-Eleven should pick up chips and dip for C.C. Sabathia's goodbye party. They can hold it on the mound at newly named Progressive Field.

If the Mets complete their trade for Minnesota's Johan San tana, they might as well buy some cold drinks to wash down the chips because there's no way Saba thia will be an Indian after the 2008 season. If the Mets land Santana, it means they've agreed to a five- to six-year deal that could be worth between $130 million and $150 million.

As said before here and elsewhere, Sabathia may well become the second place prize for those who lost out on the Santana sweepstakes. The Yankees will surely take part in acquiring the mammoth southpaw.

* In the meantime, the Orioles will make one last attempt to sign Erik Bedard before moving forward with trade opportunities. Just a hunch, but Bedard will end up in Seattle.

Top Ten Sunday Rumblings

1 · Johan Santana is still property of the Minnesota Twins.

2 · A Twins beat writer says Santana will be dealt within the next 10 days.

3 · Tonight, another Twins lefty ace - Francisco Liriano - says he's 100% healthy since undergoing elbow surgery over a year ago. This can only make Santana more expendable.

4 · Buster Olney reports the Red Sox pulled Jon Lester off the table "for good."

5 · Meanwhile, the Daily News implies the rest of baseball Mets will not acquire any starting pitchers until the Santana fiasco works itself out - and that means you Livian.

6 · According to the Beacon Journal, C.C. Sabathia could be a sweet second place prize for those teams who lose out on Santana.

7 · In Yankees pseudo-news, Bernie Williams and Brian Cashman are at odds about how the former's professional career came to a close. Neither side is wrong, but but both look bad airing their dirty laundry out in public.

8 · A Fox Sports columist posted a list of the top 10 young ballplayers poised to break out in 2008; Phil Hughes ranks fourth, though the writer ineptly predicted 200 innings from him?

9 · A month ago, the same Fox Sports writer compiled a list of the top 10 rookie candidates of 2008. Clay Buchholz ranked #1 and Joba Chamberlain #2.

10 · Less than 18 days until pitchers and catchers arrive for Spring Training workouts.

Playoff Lights Shine Brightest

The playoffs have arrived.

A 27 year-old hefty southpaw may well decide the Yankees fate. The weight of the world leans over his husky frame, wondering if the hometown team will continue its reputation as The Mistake By The Lake.

His team flashes a lineup filled with power potential, though they inconsistently slug. (Sound familiar?)

The back of their bullpen is strong with two talented Rafael's, though this makes for an inexperienced setup man. (Sound familiar?)

Their closer is a bulldog, but often times becomes a goat. (Where the similarities end.)

But the 6-foot-7 horse will be the focus of everyone's attention. Along side Josh Beckett, CC Sabathia is one half of a two man race for the American League Cy Young award. Last night saw Beckett dominate, compiling an impressive complete game shutout.

Tonight, Sabathia will attempt to put a bad history against the Yankees behind him, hoping to prove that the '07 version is a pitcher which New York's never laid eyes on; with exception to clips looped on Baseball Tonight or Sportscenter.

As discussed yesterday, Sabathia's biggest weakness may be his ability to consistently throw strikes, particularly in early counts. Will the Yankees hitters march up to the plate hacking away? This would be a bold move, but not necessarily the wrong one. If CC tends to be most hittable in 0-0 and 0-1 counts, then Joe Torre would be wise to have his hitters institute an aggressive approach.

Implementing an impatient lineup goes against an entire methodology which got New York into the playoffs, but it could lead to success and a Game 1 win. The greatest gift of the Yankees offense relies on them grinding atbats, taking pitch after pitch, and tiring the man on the mound. When they face the ace of a staff, like Sabathia, their strategy forces the starter to throw an inordinate amount, until he ultimately finds himself in the dugout wondering how he threw 110 pitches in 5+ innings.

Sabathia, however, does not tend to tire easily and consistently works deep into games by economizing his pitches and showing extraordinary stamina.

It will be extremely intriguing to see how the Yankees adjust to Sabathia after his first time through their lineup. The first turn through, Yankee hitters will refer to their experiences three years ago, when they last faced the Indians star. The entire lineup will hug the the fence atop the dugout steps, peering for some previously unforeseen flaw in Sabathia's delivery.

Eventually, the plan Torre and his staff decide on will reveal itself. Spectators will recognize if the Yankees become unusually aggressive in the early innings, or instead exercise stoic patience in the hopes of tiring Sabathia and delving into the Cleveland bullpen. In all likelihood, attempting to "wait out" the starter may result in eight scoreless innings. By the time he's been removed from the game, the game might already be in hand.

Not that the Yankees lineup ever backs down from a talented pitcher and not to imply that their unyielding offense is stoppable. But, with the last two postseasons witnessing early, unlikely exits for the boys from the Bronx, the pressure to deliver is that much more magnified.

Regardless of which team separates themself in the first of the five-game series, one thing's for sure. It's playoff time. When words like "intangibles," "heart" and "glory" ring a little longer. When lifetime dreams are realized, and the stories of championship teams are written.

When the bright lights shine brightest.

Today's Pitching Matchups

1) Yankees vs. Orioles

• Andy Pettitte will try to improve his win total to 14 on the year, and draws an unlikely matchup as Brian Burres is essentially a reliever being asked to start. For Burres, his last start saw him go seven shutout innings, the first scoreless appearance of his career. He is 1-0 with a 2.53 ERA against the Yankees this year, but also has put together such gems as his August 22nd outing against Texas in which he went 0.2 innings, allowing 8 runs on 8 hits.

2) Tigers vs. Indians

• Following losses from both Boston and Detroit last night, the Yankees find themselves two out of the division and five up in the wildcard races. Cy Young hopeful and Cleveland's ace, C.C. Sabathia, draws pedestrian southpaw Nate Robertson. Robertson has a losing record and an ERA approaching 5.00, while Sabathia looks to notch his 18th win and lower his 3.21 ERA.

3) Red Sox vs. Blue Jays

• Clay Buchholz made history in his last start, joining a short list of rookie pitchers who tossed a no-hitter. The Red Sox hope Buchholz can stop the bleeding, as the Yankees have crept just two games out of the division lead. In July and August, Pat Litsch posted a 2.48 ERA. But his past three starts were all losses due to an ugly 10.37 ERA. Boston won't provide much breathing room as Litsch has a 7.20 ERA in two starts against the Red Sox.