C.C. Sabathia Update Pt.9

As I was typing, I almost wrote “Jon Heyman talks Santana.” Johan’s last name has become so common to the blog circuit that it just felt right. Anyway, with Sabathia, we have a somewhat similar situation.

Sabathia is going to remain with Cleveland this year, although he’s scheduled to hit the open market after the season (he’s still holding off contract talks), and will try to help Cleveland win it all. Mark Shapiro, GM for the Indians, knows that other teams are just waiting for C.C. to hit the market, and the Yankees are likely the best suitors and for a variety of reasons.

Here’s how Jon Heyman (ESPN) sees it:

1. Yankees. Long seen as the most logical destination for Sabathia, the big reason they balked at Santana was their reluctance to part with top pitching prospects Phil Hughes and Ian Kennedy. Since it’ll only cost them money (and draft choices), and Mike Mussina, Carl Pavano, Jason Giambi and Andy Pettitte could be coming off the books, they remain the favorite. A perfect replacement in case this is Pettitte’s last year, a real possibility.

It only makes sense for the Yankees to sign this guy. I honestly don’t think the Yankees will pursue Pettitte for another year, especially after Hank missed out on his Santana prize this off-season. He’s going to push for C.C., and with a rotation already featuring Wang, Hughes, Joba and Ian Kennedy, as well as a more flexible payroll, Hank won’t have to listen to anyone about money, prospects, or anything like that. He’ll simply point, and it shall be done.

(Thanks to RAB).