Yanks Tried For CC

Here’s an interesting tidbit from Jack Curry regarding the CC trade:

In adding Sabathia, the Brewers beat out the Phillies, who were also willing to make the trade without requiring a window to negotiate a contract extension. The Yankees had discussions with the Indians, but were unwilling to make a deal unless they could sign Sabathia beyond 2008. The Yankees will probably be serious players in trying to sign him when he becomes a free agent after the season.

Sabathia could ask for an extension that is close to what the Mets gave Johan Santana (six years, $137.5 million), so the chances that he will remain with the Brewers are slim. Melvin was realistic about the future and said, “Most trades in July are going to be rentals.”

The Sabathia trade, as Melvin states, is a rental. I doubt the Brewers will be willing to take on the gaudy salary that CC will likely command after 2008, but the Brewers don’t really mind. They have a booming farm system that is teeming with position players (e.g. the ex-Brewer, Matt Laport or even Fielder, Braun, Hart, Hardy, etc.). In terms of prospects, Milwaukee could afford to make this trade, even if it is a 1/2 season rental.

This obviously wasn’t the case for the Yankees.

The Yanks have been stockpiling pitchers for years now, trying to rebuild a barren farm system, and largely, they have succeeded. However, assuming that Cleveland wanted Phil Hughes (our best young pitcher) and then maybe Jose Tabata or Austin Jackson, and then another valuable pitcher, an extension window was a must for NY. Why ransack the farm for a few months of CC when the Brewers won’t sign him to an extension (Jayson Stark told us this a few weeks ago)? That’s simply irrational, as the Yankees will likely sign Sabathia after the 2008 season anyway, so there’s no need to burden a blossoming farm system.

Cashman was smart about this one. He was willing to part with what were probably some of his best prospects, however, he would only go through with the deal if the team was granted an extension to keep Sabathia beyond 2008. That’s smart baseball. While the club is struggling for pitching right now, this wasn’t a “now” decision. This was a non-move that spoke volumes about the future.

(Props to RAB).