CC Sabathia: the man they call "The Honey Badger". Kathy Willens/AP/Press Association Images
American LEague
Yankees pitcher in 'wanting more money' shocker
CC Sabathia (aka “The Honey Badger”) looks set to walk away from a deal that guarantees him $92million over the next four seasons in an effort to secure an even more lucrative contract.
Prior to the 2009 season, CC Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees. But with four years and $92 million still remaining on the contract, Sabathia is expected to walk away from that deal.
That contract is the largest ever given to a pitcher and has the fifth highest total value in Major League history. But it also included an opt-out clause that will allow Sabathia to become a free agent this winter.
Sabathia may be eyeing a new deal similar to what Cliff Lee received last winter from the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee signed a five-year contract worth $120 million. That deal will pay Lee close to $25 million per season over the next five years.
Sabathia would make $23 million per season over the next four years if he remains with the Yankees.
And Sabathia will be a year younger (31) in 2012 than Lee was (32) in the first year of his deal.
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Yankees starting pitchers were fifth in the American League this past season with a 4.03 ERA. But they cannot afford to lose Sabathia, who is 59-23 with a 3.18 ERA (3.27 FIP) in three seasons with the Yankees.
It is hard to imagine walking away from a $92 million guaranteed contract. But as long as the Yankees still need Sabathia, the move could be worth million more to Sabathia.
Yankees pitcher in 'wanting more money' shocker
Prior to the 2009 season, CC Sabathia signed a seven-year, $161 million contract with the New York Yankees. But with four years and $92 million still remaining on the contract, Sabathia is expected to walk away from that deal.
That contract is the largest ever given to a pitcher and has the fifth highest total value in Major League history. But it also included an opt-out clause that will allow Sabathia to become a free agent this winter.
Sabathia may be eyeing a new deal similar to what Cliff Lee received last winter from the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee signed a five-year contract worth $120 million. That deal will pay Lee close to $25 million per season over the next five years.
And Sabathia will be a year younger (31) in 2012 than Lee was (32) in the first year of his deal.
Yankees starting pitchers were fifth in the American League this past season with a 4.03 ERA. But they cannot afford to lose Sabathia, who is 59-23 with a 3.18 ERA (3.27 FIP) in three seasons with the Yankees.
It is hard to imagine walking away from a $92 million guaranteed contract. But as long as the Yankees still need Sabathia, the move could be worth million more to Sabathia.
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