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Delaying negotiations allows Sabathia to think only about his pitching
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter
Published on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2008
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: That should do it. Now that C.C. Sabathia has addressed his contract situation with the media, it's unlikely the subject will arise for the remainder of the season.
Right.
The ace of the Indians' staff and 2007 American League Cy Young Award winner explained why he elected to abort contract negotiations until season's end, at which time he will be eligible for free agency.
''We didn't have enough common ground, and I want to focus on the team and not have it as a distraction,'' Sabathia said Tuesday. ''I have seen these things become a distraction.
''Everybody knows what I think about the team and this city. I think there will be plenty of time (to negotiate) after the season.''
Sabathia is hoping his future relationship with the Tribe is not a topic of conversation in the clubhouse, the newspapers, television or radio. Of course, inter
est in his impending free agency will not fade away, but maybe he won't have to hear about it.
If contract talks are suspended for the rest of the season, Sabathia doesn't think that the subject will be on his mind.
''It's not,'' he said. ''I haven't been losing any sleep over it.''
Sabathia has been there before. He said the process of negotiating an extension in 2005 was very unsettling.
''It was horrible,'' he said. ''I'd be on the phone talking to my agent all night. Of course, that's just something you have to go through.''
Easing the pressure to perform also was a factor.
''I don't want to feel like I have to throw a no-hitter every time out,'' Sabathia said.
In observing Sabathia early in camp, pitching coach Carl Willis likes his mind-set.
''I don't think it will be a distraction,'' he said. ''I think C.C. is really in a good place. He seems very much at peace with himself. I think that's where he's at.''
Willis also is pleased with Sabathia's physical condition.
''I think he looks great,'' the pitching coach said. ''You can tell by looking at him that he has put the appropriate work in. And his delivery is solid.''
Sabathia will make $11.25 million this year, almost a paltry sum compared to the salary he can expect for the next several seasons, whether he elects to be a free agent or re-signs with the Tribe earlier.
Former Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana seems to have set the bar by agreeing to a six-year, $123 million contract with the New York Mets. Sabathia, however, doesn't see Santana's contract as having a direct bearing on what he will make.
''Not at all,'' Sabathia said. ''That guy is unbelievable. He has won two Cy Youngs. I'm just glad he's out of our division.''
By contrast, the Tribe has offered Sabathia a $79 million deal that includes a four-year extension worth about $72 million plus a significant raise this season.
Sabathia said it was his idea to end talks now.
''I said all along I didn't want this to drag on into spring training,'' he said. ''So the desire (to stop negotiations) came from me. I said it last year.''
On the other hand, if his agent has reason to talk to the Indians, or the club has a new proposal, Sabathia won't block discussions.
''I don't care,'' he said. ''I just wouldn't want to know about it. I refuse to let this run my life. I kind of think they (the front office) feel the same way I do. I want my focus to be on the season.''
Sabathia said his decision shouldn't lead to a conclusion by the fans that he already has one foot out the door.
''I hope not,'' he said. ''I put my heart on the line for this team, this organization and this city for my whole career. Everybody knows how I feel about this place. I've been here since I was 17.''
Sabathia does not even concede he will file for free agency.
''I don't know,'' he said. ''When it's time to cross that road, we'll see.''
Sabathia won't decide his financial future in a vacuum. His agent and his wife will have input. His mother, Margie, who has advised him on many important issues, might not be a major source of counsel.
''She's going to try and let me do my own thing,'' Sabathia said. ''But she was in on it big time for my last contract.''
Sheldon Ocker can be reached at socker@thebeaconjournal.com.
WINTER HAVEN, FLA.: That should do it. Now that C.C. Sabathia has addressed his contract situation with the media, it's unlikely the subject will arise for the remainder of the season.
Get the full article here.
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