C.C. Signing Finnishing Up, Burnett AND Lowe Next???

The Yankees and C.C. Sabathia have reached an agreement for $161 Million over 7 years. He also gets an opt-out option after 3 years. This sets a new record for a pitcher's salary, breaking that of Mets LHP Johan Santana (6 years 137.5 million) but not by much. Sure, $161 is a lot more than $137.5, but look at the annual salary. Santana makes $22.9 million a year, with this contract, Sabathia would get $23. However, it's still a lot of money and we'll see if he's worth it.

On another note, after reaching an agreement with Sabathia, the Yankees have since moved on to there other free agent targets: A.J. Burnett and Derek Lowe. The Yanks have significant interest in both and are in discussions with the two righties. Lowe's offer is thought to be about 4 years, $64 million (about $15-16 a year) and Burnett's about the same. But both are different from another. In Lowe's case, the Yankees feel like they would be getting a durable innings-eater. They're prepared to offer him a good amount of money and know what they're getting in return. 

With Burnett, it's a little more complicated. Burnett's injury history has had a lot of teams concerned. However, when healthy, he puts up very good numbers. A.J. has been asking for a five year deal but so far the front runners for him have been the Atlanta Braves. But it appears that has changed. The Yankees have reportedly topped the Braves offer of 4 years $60 million with 4 years $64 million. It's also believed that they are willing to give him the 5th year if it means he signs with them. 

As for a clean sweep, I don't see it happening. Sure it would be nice, but to me, it seems like a waste of money. If the Yanks were to sign the top 3 pitchers of the 2009 Free Agent Market, they're combined salary would be a whopping $55 million! That's more than the Rays, Pirates, A's, Marlins, and Nationals all spent on they're whole teams last year! I think a better solution would be to sign either Lowe or Burnett (in that order) and then sign Pettitte to a 1-year $10-15 million contract. Then they're rotation looks like this: C.C. Sabathia, Chien-Ming Wang, Derek Lowe/A.J. Burnett, Andy Pettitte, and Joba Chamberlain. That's what you call a dominant rotation! Put the Yankee's rock solid line-up behind that, and you've got yourself a play-off team!