The CC Situation

Real loyalty or ploy number 1?

When I saw the 6-year/$140m offer from the Yankees, I was sure that it was far-and-away the best offer. But I've seen some interesting posts about how the Yankees' deal really isn't that far away from anyone else's possible offers (it seems the Angels are about to make that a concrete offer) for reasons such as living expenses, taxes, charities, and promotional deals. I started thinking about it and polled you all to find out how you would deal with the situation. A few said you'd take the $140m dollars because that is a lot of money, and I can't blame anyone based on that (I would probably do the same). This argument about it not being so much more kind of takes that down a notch. The rest seemed to think New York is a bit of a headache, whether it's the pressure, Hank, or the inordinate amount of pressure. Granted, if you aren't getting above-and-beyond what other people are offering, then the pressure and Hank seem to be stresses you don't have to cope with. As things heat up with CC, let's take a look at this situation.

First, the Yankees offered a huge contract in a presumed TKO power-punch after the Brewers had bid an underwhelming but substantial 5-year/$100m. The Brewers made a legitimate offer, but no one really thought anything of it. Everyone was preoccupied with the Yankees' shiny offer that tops the Johan contract by about $2.3m total. People saw the number and thought no one can offer CC that much money, and it was a sure thing he would sign. Then, CC waited, people came out with reports on how the money really isn't that much more than what someone else could offer, and people mentioned CC's desire to return to California. Hank got a little scared and gave his "deadline", which really isn't much of one.

Now, the Angels are ready to make an offer which would presumably be at least the 5-year deal from the Brewers. My guess is that the Angels don't want to go six years, and they will instead settle for giving him a 5-year/$120m offer. That's $24m a year. If CC has that, it seems it would be better to take that deal, pitch a few good years, come out of it at the age of 33 or 34 and get a shiny new contract while playing at home. Of course, I don't know that the Angels will go that high, but let's say they offer $110m instead. Then, they are just under the Yankees and still have the "hometown advantage". Does he take it then? Or does he wait for the other California teams to jump in. If the Angels start the bidding, the Dodgers and Giants have shown they are afraid of his price-tag and have shown interest. Then, it becomes a bidding war among the California teams making the Angels, or someone, go to that $24m/year plateau.

What comes next is the real uncertainty? Does CC show that his interest in the Yankees was really to ensure more money from the California teams or is this CC drumming up his California interest to get more money from the Yankees? It's brilliant if you think about it.

Let's look at scenario one. He really wants to go to California, but if he took out the Yankees, he's looking at a $18-20m/year offer from the California teams. He knows he's worth more, so he lets the Yankees bid. This is what most people expect is going on. By also getting the Yankees involved, he knows he'll still get a really good offer that he'd be okay with accepting. If this is the case, he is succeeding. The Angels are about to play the game, and you know they have to give a really good offer. They were going to spend $20m on Teixeira, so they have the cash. Now that the offers are close, he can take what he wants. Then, the Yankees counter-offer, and the Angels (or Giants or Dodgers) must respond. Or maybe they won't. CC just got his big offer from his California team.

However, let's look at scenario two. He doesn't care where he plays and he just wants the money (insert Jason and it is about the money, stupid). It's perfectly plausible and reasonable. Here, he knows the Yankees are going to give him a lot of money, but he wants more. Therefore, he lets slip that he wants to play in California. The Yankees insert incredibly ridiculous deal. But, CC keeps up the charade. He's not biting just yet. He's in the perfect position. He's the best free-agent on the market, and the Yankees just showed how much they need the big ace (pun intended) by not being able to handle life without Wang (insert you know what) and relying on a career season from Mussina, who was unlikely to repeat that. So, CC keeps thinking about California. The Angels, Giants, and/or Dodgers get involved and make the offers close because they know they have to. They want him to. They aren't driving up the price. That's something only the Red Sox would do and could get away with (Why aren't they bidding?). Now, CC keeps letting people think he would like to play in California. The Yankees get nervous, revoke the "deadline", and up the offer to 7 years/$180m. Ridiculous, right? Wrong! Add in the extra $22m for the next year, and the remaining $18m is spread evenly over the previous six years to make it far-and-away the best offer. It's the only way for the Yankees to win if CC wants to go back to California. Except he doesn't really. He wants the money, and he just played the Yankees into giving him a buttload. Cashman wants that starting pitcher, and CC seems a much more sure thing than anyone else in the market. Will the Angels/Giants/Dodgers respond? Probably not. The Angels realize Tex was a better fit anyway. The Giants know they need offense, too. The Dodgers happily bring back Manny because he's already a fan-favorite anyway. But CC still has the golden offer.

I don't know what's going on in CC's head. No one does. That's what makes this perfect. He is going to rake in a lot of money this winter. But for now, he'll go home to California for Thanksgiving stress-free while the Yankees and Angels sweat it out. They can't bluff, but CC can.