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ABJ

If Sabathia wanted to stay, he'd sign contract extension
Sabathia situation seems agent-driven
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal columnist
Published on Friday, Feb 15, 2008


So C.C. Sabathia or his agent or great-aunt twice removed has made the decision to cut off contract negotiations with the Indians until the 2008 season ends.
And the Indians say this does not mean that he will head to greener financial pastures after the season.
Right.
It's probably best for all to enjoy the sight of Sabathia pitching for the Indians this season.
Because there are very few signs to indicate that he's going to stay past this season.
When Johan Santana agreed to a contract extension with the New York Mets, everyone thought it was significant because it gave Santana more than $20
million a year. And that was significant.
But what it also did was make Sabathia the prize jewel of the post-2008 free-agent class.
Which means when the season ends someone in New York, Boston, Los Angeles, Chicago or, perhaps, San Francisco will pile up the money to entice him to leave Cleveland. And the Indians, the cash-strapped, small-market Indians, will not be able to match the offer.

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