Friday, January 25, 2008
He’s hoping for a multi-year contract so he doesn’t have to leave Cleveland.
CLEVELAND (AP) — C.C. Sabathia has known only one team in his baseball career, and he can’t imagine ever leaving it.
And the Cleveland Indians can’t conceive seeing him go.
Sabathia, the AL’s reigning Cy Young winner back in town Thursday night to receive another award, said he’s hoping his agents and the ballclub can finalize a multi-year contract to keep him in Cleveland.
“It would definitely be tough [to leave],” Sabathia said. “I was just telling Amber [his wife] when we touched down yesterday that it felt like home. This has been my second home. Hopefully, we can get something done.”
The Indians were unable to finalize a deal before last season. They recently offered a long-term contract to the left-hander, who is eligible for free agency following the 2008 season.
General manager Mark Shapiro would prefer having talks with Sabathia wrapped up by the start of training camp. Cleveland’s pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Winter Haven, Fla., Feb. 14.
However, Shapiro said the Indians would be willing to extend negotiations with Sabathia as long as necessary.
“We’re not ever going to set a time limit on a guy like C.C.,” Shapiro said. “There will probably be some junctures in time that we say we’re going to be active or not active in talking but we’re not going to close the door all the way up through free agency.
“He’s too special of a person and too special of a talent.”
Although he’s weighing a decision that will affect him — and the Indians — for years to come, Sabathia said he’s enjoying the experience.
“It’s not a tough time. It’s a great time,” he said with a laugh before attending the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards. “How could this be a tough time? I know I’ve got some important decisions to make coming up.”
For now, Sabathia said he’s letting his agents handle the talks.
“I’m just letting them hammer it out. Maybe in spring training I’ll get to sit down with everybody,” he said. “Right now, I’ve got nothing to do with it. I’m just letting Mark and my agents deal with it.”
The 27-year-old Sabathia had a breakout season in 2007.
He set career-highs in wins (19), starts (34), ERA (3.21) and strikeouts (209). Sabathia also led the majors with 241 innings pitched, the first Indians pitcher to do so since Bob Feller in 1947.
Sabathia was rewarded by becoming the first Cleveland pitcher to win the Cy Young since Gaylord Perry in 1972.
Sabathia, who will pick up his Cy Young Award this weekend in New York, said his life hasn’t changed much since being honored. He’s spent the last two months back in Vallejo, Calif., his hometown.
“It’s been the same,” he said. “I’ve been staying in the house a lot. It hasn’t really been too bad. When I go back home people kind of leave me alone and let me do my thing.”