Bank Breaker

               The New York Yankees are at it again, breaking the bank to sign CC Sabathia to a 7 year 160 million dollar deal. In an attempt to get the Yankees back on top of the baseball world, New York has signed the most dynamic starting pitcher on the market. This is yet another ridiculous contract shelled out by the New York Yankees franchise but will it be one that pays off?

          The fact that the Yankees were willing to overbid the second highest bidder by 60 million dollars shows signs of New York’s desperation. They had their mind set on getting CC and they weren’t going to let a minor obstacle like 60 million dollars get in the way. But this has to provide Yankee fans with a little worry that they basically had to beg this guy to come play for them. If he was so unwilling to play for New York, what is his comfort level going to be like when he struggles for the first time or gets off to a slow start. In case you aren’t one to worry, you should take notice to the fact that CC himself is worried; as he made sure that the deal had an out after the third year. And lets not forget even though CC had a tremendous year, he did get off to a very slow start last year and the greatest of his success from last season was in the National League.

            Another issue that arises with this Yankees spending spree is how they have the nerve to throw money out like its candy, but on the other hand are going to the government and asking for city handouts at the same time. This has angered many Yankee fans that live in the city, but I’m sure a 20-win season from CC will help them forget this financial issue. But in New York the time where all are judged is October, and CC doesn’t have great stats in his few playoff starts.

            When looking at the future of CC his physique has to come into question too. He has yet to have injury problems in his career, but a 7-year deal to a guy that looks like he definitely tops 300 lbs in his prime, what will he look like a couple years down the road?

            It’s evident that the Yankees goal so far has been to solidify the rotation. This CC signing was huge progress to bulking the rotation up, and the next stop is AJ Burnett or Derek Lowe as rumors are swirling. It seems that the Yanks are warmer to Burnett with a rumored 5-80 million dollar deal, but I feel Lowe would be a lot better of a signing at the rumored 4-66 to 70 million-dollar range. Lowe is an innings eater that has been as consistent as they come, and he’s a proven winner with the post-season experience. In addition the Yankees are also trying to lure Andy Petttite back. Its too early to completely judge but the Yankees are looking forward to having one of the best rotations in baseball and hopefully for them they will then be able to put Joba where he belongs as the set up man for Mariano Rivera.

So one thing is for certain CC Sabathia will have the pressure on him, like he has never before. But will he be able to execute and perform like he did in Milwaukee last season? I expect CC to be a solid success for the Yankees, but he definitely will not live up to his contract, and I in no way see him being a guy the Yankees want on the team come the 5th year of this contract. But I do see him as a lock for 20 wins next year, so good luck on the rest of your off season.

                                    Peter Lomuscio