CC Sabathia is all over the Philadelphia Phillies radar.
Hold on, hold on. Before the masses swarm the streets in celebration like a plague straight from the Bible, let’s clarify what that means.
Sabathia isn’t coming to Philadelphia, at least not to put on the pinstripes, but he could very well shake up the National League East and determine if the Phillies sign a big name pitcher.
Sunday marked the final day of arbitration offers, which could be accepted by free agents, and as expected, Sabathia turned down the Brewers' multi-zillion dollar offer, thus guaranteeing that he will never have to buy a brew in Old Milwaukee again.
Whether he stays with the Brewers or heads elsewhere, Sabathia will be paid. Don’t worry CC You still won’t ever have to buy a brew.
Enter the Phillies.
Free agent pitchers Derek Lowe, A.J. Burnett, Ben Sheets and Francisco Rodriguez have all followed suit turning down their team’s offers.
With Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. at the annual Winter Meetings, this opens up discussions for the two big name pitchers that are on the Phillies radar in Lowe and Burnett.
Amaro admitted that the team is interested in Lowe and looks to talk with his people this week in Las Vegas.
Come on, Ruben. Get the hot hand.
The Phillies have made it known that they want to re-sign Jamie Moyer, but they are taking their time doing so, exploring all options to improve the club in becoming the first National League team to repeat as World Series champs since the 1975-76 Reds.
The Phillies have also discussed interest in Burnett who has been reportedly offered a multi-year $75 million contract from the Braves.
As for K-Rod, the Mets are expected to make moves on acquiring the all-time single season saves leader after news that closer Billy Wagner will miss all of the 2009 season.
K-Rod will take a huge bite out of the Big Apple, reportedly wanting at least $65 million over several years, which the Mets may be hesitant to do because of the nation's economic state.
