Perrotto's Latest: Sabathia, Varitek, Crede, Villone

Two years of a curtain call for Tek? At least it's not four more. He's one of the best at calling a game and handling a staff, but his offensive contributions have been lackluster lately. This effectively puts the Sox out of next year's Johjima sweeps, too.

Wow, no way anyone will be able to sympathize for the Indians if they are unwilling to go 5 guaranteed. They would be asking Sabathia to give up A LOT of guaranteed money.

If Shapiro wants to keep this team going strong from here on out, I'd call the Yankees about a package starting with Hughes. No reason to lose Sabathia for nothing(aside from draft pick compensation) for the CHANCE at competing in 2008.

"I have faith in Mark Shapiro to get the CC deal done soon. all the cleveland writers were saying that westbrook would take at least 5 years and 65M and he signed for 3 years 33M. Hafner was supposed to get 6 years 100M according to those same reporters and he signed for 4 years 57M. That says alot about Shapiro as a shrewd GM. We shall see though."

...Add to it the fact that CC has publicly stated his desire to stay in Cleveland and only a Bay-area team would possibly suit his hearts desire more. With SF unlikely to add another huge contract for a pitcher and Oakland never having that kind of cash; well that family thing should probably be counted out completely.

Even further hurting the chances he goes elseware would be near-by Anaheim and LA both having big contracts in the rotation to begin with, multiple kids for depth in SP and bigger needs/questions with the bats. The Cubs wouldnt be able to afford him with their longterm commitments, Sabathia hates the Chi-Sox because of the long-standing rivalry between the two. We are getting down to only a couple probable big-spenders having the interest to push the dollar-amount up to the extreme level even if he did walk at the end of the year ~ the fact that his destination would be so out of his control if he turned down the Tribe is working in the teams favor bigtime here...

unfortunately... he'll never come to the sox cause they'd only give him 3 yr., not worth it at all for him

It's put up or shut up time again, for Mr. Dolan. His "I'll spend when the time is right" mantra was put to the test with PRONK and Westbrook.. and he did what he said he would, signing both to pretty good deals for both parties.

With respect to this "Perlotto" statement, he's aping the local media who have proven to be more clueless than usual regarding the Indians signings. Paul Hoynes has a Wednesday "fan chat" where he's repeatedley stated that he has no direct information regarding the terms of the offer to CC, but, he thinks it should be... Perlotto then apes this "whistle while you work" drivel.

The fact of the matter is, the Indians & Mark Shapiro don't negotiate in the press. IF and when a deal is struck, then the Hoynes' and Perlotto's and Dayne Perry's and Peter Gammons of the baseball world will be able to claim they had the story..

They didn't and won't, until that time. What say you?

Wow Darkstar, you never seem to amaze me. When we think you couldn't say anything more stupid, you one up yourself. CC Sabathia will go wherever he gets the combo of best contract and best chance for winning. If you think the Cubs or even the Giants could sign him. Neither team is broke and could not afford him next year. All they will have to pay is luxury tax. *&%even the Yankees, Red Sox, Bluejays(if they trade Burnett), Angels, Cardinals, Mets(esp if they don't get Santana), and maybe even the Phillies.

The Indians would be fools to let him go. A pitcher like him doesn't come along very often.