Paul- Right, I know you're not. I should have mad...

2008-01-30T08:53:36.130-05:00

Paul- Right, I know you're not. I should have made that more clear. My point (in theory) was that what the gap between Indians can reasonably offer and what Sabathia can get elsewhere is so large, that his return really seems unlikely.

It's obviously still possible that he wants to stay, and will take a substantial discount. I don't know why this would be the case (although at least Oakland isn't a feasible option), but it would be nice.

If he leaves it'll certainly be disappointing, but it's not the end of the world. They will have ended up paying the guy ~$35MM for something like 1600 innings of a 118 ERA+. They'll only get a couple draft picks at the end of it, but that's okay. The value there is unbelievable, and that's how you win baseball games in the Indians' situation. Not by signing pitchers to six year, $140MM contracts.

VW,I'm not saying that Sabathia would accept the d...

2008-01-30T08:41:00.000-05:00

VW,
I'm not saying that Sabathia would accept the deal I'd propose. I'm saying that going beyond the 5 years guaranteed extension would be imprudent for the Indians to do with the track record of long-term contracts for starting pitchers as it would really amount to 6 years with his being under contract for 2008 already.

No question C.C. could get more on the open market; and, if that is what he desires to do (hit the open market and get a Santana-like contract), I don't think the Tribe will be the ones offering him the deal...and rightfully so given the history of performances of pitchers working under contracts longer than 5 years.

Comments on Vegas Watch: Santana Traded To Mets

Paul- Right, I know you're not. I should have mad...

VW,I'm not saying that Sabathia would accept the d...