Yankeetorial: Make CC a decent offer, but if he wants the moon, let him go

The Gammonite tribal drums say we cannot afford to lose CC Sabathia. Therefore, say these pill-popping, undeclared foes, if CC opts out of his contract, he should receive an Arodian mega-deal, the kind that ensures he will eventually ruin the team in the way that an Alzheimer's parent drains his family.

This seems a trend: The need to leave baseball as a doddering, torturous, overpriced clump of baggage. Great players finish as the 25th man, remembered for the money being squandered, while hitting .180 or failing 10 times at the 200th win. You can cash in a final season, but prepare to be abused. Even Bartolo Colon - God bless him! - was snubbed on the post-season roster in favor of Benny Ayala. (Can you imagine Bartolo's feelings, watching Ayala piss away our chance at game two?)

But CC is a great Yankee. He never looked better than in pinstripes. From all indications, he likes the East Coast, his family is settled, the Bombers are a straight shot to the 2012 post-season and 2021 Hall of Fame. Why leave?

Money? Beh.

Love the guy. But if he wants to shake us down until age 40, let him go.

Last winter, we cut payroll - from $206 million to $202 million. Meanwhile, teams across MLB closed the gap. The Steinboys want to cash out, rather than spend on talent. Meanwhile, Cashman's genius may lie in his ability to work the scrap heap; he's no great trader. So be it. Until the Steins sell to another meglomaniac, they'll count their coins and cackle at the jingle.

I always side with players. Next time an owner blocks home plate with a charging 240 pound DH, I'll change my mind.

But if CC wants to be Arod, let him be Arod in Boston. We have young pitchers coming through the farm system centipede. If they develop, we'll succeed. If not, oh well -- Yu Darvish! We don't need a 40-year-old mop up man making $20 m per season. CC shouldn't ask.