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Did anyone really believe that CC Sabathia would not succumb to the New York Yankees’ financial charms?

For those who haven’t already heard, Sabathia agreed today to a 7-year, $161 million deal with the Bronx Bombers, the richest contract ever for a pitcher.  The clinching deal point is an opt-out clause that allows Sabathia to leave after only three years–and collecting a mere $69 million in salary–if the New York lifestyle doesn’t agree with him and his family.

Not too shabby. And not surprising.

In a tight financial market even for baseball, Sabathia was one of the crown jewels of this year’s free agent class, and the Yankees were desperate for a marquis signing after missing the playoffs for the first time in thirteen seasons and losing two starters to retirement. The Bombers needed a major pitching acquisition from both competitive and PR standpoints; Sabathia fills both those needs. No one, not even the Red Sox, fielded an offer large enough to compete with the Yanks’ original offer of $140 million over six years. Any misgivings Sabathia may have had over New York must have been quickly lost when general manager Brian Cashman tacked on an extra year and $21 million–with an escape clause.

Of course, last time Sabathia faced Boston in the playoffs, the ending was pretty ugly.  The Yankees must be counting on that performance being a fluke.

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