CC Sabathia is Now a New York Yankee and K-Rod is a New York Met

It seems that a relatively slow free agency market, has been kicked into overdrive with the New York Yankees preliminary signing of starting pitcher CC Sabathia, and the New York Mets signing closer Francisco Rodriguez. With an abundance of free agents it finally heated up with the signing of these two pitchers.

It seems that CC Sabathia has signed a preliminary deal with the New York Yankees that will pay him $161 million dollars over 7 years. This is still a preliminary signing until Sabbathia under goes a physical. The 28 year old CC Sabathia has also agreed to an opt-out clause that will allow him to opt-out of his contract after 3 years. This opt-out clause was important to CC Sabathia because he wants to see how living in New York City will effect his wife and children.

I can understand this. I have seen several players, pitchers in particular crumble under the pressure of playing in New York City. Javier Vázquez pitched one year and went 14-10, with one of his worst ERAs in four years at 4.91. This occurred even though the Yankees were a better team than his previous employers.- the Montreal Expos. Carl Pavano has yet to complete a season since he joined the Yankees. Randy Johnson had a career high 5.00 ERA (his life-time ERA is 3.26) and left after two years, and the list players goes on. Unless you have a tough exterior and can handle the pressure of playing under the bright lights of New York, forget it, You will not last in New York City.

He will get lots of run support from the New York Yankees. The Yankees had a .271 BA tied for 4th in the AL, they had 180 HRs which was 5th, 758 RBIs for 7th and 779 Runs which was 7th in the AL. There was problem with injuries for the New York Yankess in 2008, so their numbers will probably be higher in 2009.

It seems that the Angels have lost in the bidding for Francisco Rodriguez, who was signed to a three year contract for $37 million. with an option for a fourth year with the New York Mets. The Mets need someone of K-Rod's caliber, since it is apparent that Billy Wagner will not be able to pitch at all next year. K-Rod broke the save record in route to a 62 save season. He should be able to save 45 to 60 games for Mets. This should stop their September descent, of the last two years.