Sabathia closes contract talks

The Indians’ 27-year-old
left-hander will be a free agent after the World Series.

GATEHOUSE OHIO MEDIA

CLEVELAND — The Indians’ efforts to retain C.C. Sabathia took a turn for the worse Thursday when the defending Cy Young Award winner announced on his web site that contract negotiations with the club have broken off and won’t resume during the season.

“At this time, we haven’t been able to reach an agreement,” Sabathia said. “Now that the reporting date for spring training is here, it is time to put aside contract discussions so that I can focus all of my energies and attention on preparing for the upcoming season.”

General manager Mark Shapiro met with reporters in Winter Haven, Fla., and said the team will most likely not be able to sign Sabathia to an extension this summer. He can declare free agency after the season ends.

“It’s probably best for both parties, when we’re at a juncture like this, to wait until the end of the season,” Shapiro said. “The door is open, but I would say it’s very unlikely we’ll talk at any point before the end of the season.”

If Sabathia tests the open market, he could very well field an offer higher than what the Indians can afford.

Cleveland reportedly has already offered a four-year extension at $17 million to $18 million per season. The New York Mets traded for two-time Cy Young winner Johan Santana over the winter and signed him to a six-year deal worth $20.5 million annually.

Shapiro said the Indians will still attempt to negotiate with Sabathia even after he files for free agency.

“I think there are a lot of things that can happen between now and then to clarify things for both parties and make it easier,” Shapiro said. “This deal is extremely complex. The more information that is available to us at the time we are trying to negotiate, the better chance we have of getting a deal done.”

The 27-year-old left-hander’s statement also seemed to indicate he would be open to negotiations this fall.

“There will be time after the season for the Indians and my representatives to discuss my contract status,” Sabathia said. “I am hopeful that these discussions will result in a contract extension that will keep me with the franchise for many years to come.”

Shapiro tried not to place too much emphasis on a temporary stall.

“I read it as a very cordial business interaction,” Shapiro said. “The time now is to focus on the season. The time now is to focus on preparing for what we hope is a championship season. There’s not enough common ground to continue negotiating at this point. That’s all this is — one more juncture in the process.”

Manager Eric Wedge also tried to look on the bright side.

“Whatever is best for him, that’s what we want,” Wedge said. “I’m just excited for him to get here, excited that he’s focused on 2008 and that he’s looking forward to getting going.

“He’s one of the leaders on this ballclub,” Wedge said. “For him to be as focused on 2008 as he is, that’s only going to help everybody else.”

Pitchers and catchers reported Thursday and will undergo physical exams this morning. ... Thirty-two players worked out in Winter Haven, and first basemen Ryan Garko and Jordan Brown hit in the indoor batting cages. ... RHP Jorge Julio is working through visa problems in his native Venezuela and will not report to camp on time. ... LHP Juan Lara, critically injured during an offseason auto accident, began occupational therapy at Lutheran Hospital in Cleveland Thursday.