7:21pm: Sherman posted a correction (on Twitter); the commissioner's office memo does not apply to Sabathia, he only has until midnight ET on Monday to exercise his opt-out clause.
The league clarified that players can file for free agency at 12:01am ET Sunday morning (Saturday night) and talk to new teams at 12:01am ET Thursday morning (Wednesday night). All option decisions are due by 11:59pm ET on Monday night (Twitter links).
5:44pm: The Yankees took care of one important piece of business by agreeing to a new three-year contract with GM Brian Cashman recently, and now they're moving on to bigger and better things. ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand reports that Cashman will meet with CC Sabathia's agent this weekend in an attempt to complete a new contract extension before the ace left-hander can opt-out of his contract and become a free agent.
Joel Sherman of The New York Post says (via Twitter) the commissioner's office sent out a memo informing teams that the offseason officially begins at midnight ET on Sunday, so Sabathia has until midnight ET on Wednesday to exercise his opt-out clause. Yesterday we heard that the team was "close to completing" a new contract offer for Sabathia, an offer Cashman figures to present this weekend.
Sherman notes (via Twitter) that he expects the offer to be in the five-year and $120MM range, similar to what Cliff Lee got from the Phillies last offseason. The team is concerned about bidding against itself however, simply because there aren't many other clubs capable of putting together an offer of that magnitude. Earlier this month, nearly 1,500 MLBTR readers said they expect Sabathia's new contract to be in the $121-130MM range.
Cash should make it clear to Sabathia that the Yankees are willing to do whatever it takes to resign him. Sabathia should be willing to settle for 6yr/150mm dollar deal perhaps with an option.
“settle”
My best guess is 5 years for $128mm ($25.6mm per) and a mutual 6th year option for $20mm with a $2mm buy out. $130mm guaranteed with potential to get into that $150mm range a few people have mentioned.
That actually sounds legit. I support.
Make it an incentive-laden contract based on ERA, strikeouts and cholesterol.
I guess when you have no more Theo non-updated updates, you gotta dig for a replacement!
I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming saga of “Sabathia Watch” on ESPN.
give em credit it will be something like: See where CC will be…
He wants to be a brewer again!!! Ah I can only dream… Give up fielders salary for CC’s??? think about it…
This “fat” person led the Rotation the last couple of seasons and has been a rock. I think you owe him some more respect without him Yankees don’t get that ring.
You forgot Sidney Ponson.
Yeah who cares about CC when you can get Blanton and Peavy!
I just laughed at the fact that you think Baker, Blanton, Wolf, Lewis, the oft injured Peavy and the then to be 37 year old Hudson are better options than CC.
Cashman , pay this fool no mind. He has no problems with spending money on FA and giving up your # 1 picks every year. Trade foa pitcher instead.
Ad a weight clause for CC.
Pay him no mind? Is that a new type of currency? If so, I’m interested.
– Cashman
They might as well be. One ace does not a rotation make.
I know New York has deep pockets, but this is just ridiculous. They’ve let their players dictate their off-season over the past few years by holding themselves hostage. Usually storied teams and big cities get a discount on players, not ridiculous markup.
You certainly implied it.
” So just remember, the next off-season you can sign Haren, Hamels, Oswalt, Greinke, Cain, Baker, Blanton, Ervin Santana, Colby Lewis, Shields, Wolf, Marcum, Danks, Floyd, Hudson, Peavy, Sanchez, and more! Don’t go too nuts with CC. He’s fat anyway”.
Sounds like that’s what you’re saying. “Don’t go all crazy on CC ’cause we can get Baker, Blanton, Peavy and others next year”.