Derek Jeter talked with CC Sabathia before Yankee deal
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LAS VEGAS -- Derek Jeter says he takes his role as Yankee captain seriously. So when CC Sabathia began contemplating a future in New York this offeason, Jeter gave him a call.
‘It wasn’t exactly a recruiting call,’ said Jeter, who rang up the free-agent pitcher about a month ago. ‘I called him up and answered some questions.’
The Yankees have not officially announced the signing of Sabathia, pending a physical and other details, so Jeter hedged on calling him a teammate. But it’s clear that Jeter is excited about the possibility of Sabathia donning pinstripes.
‘Any team would love to have him,’ Jeter said. ‘He’s an intimidating pitcher on the mound.’ The Yankee shortstop, who has spent his entire career in New York, said he was happy to try to allay whatever concerns Sabathia, a Californian, had about playing in New York’s media spotlight.
‘He can still live [in California] six months out of the year and be a West Coast guy,’ Jeter said. ‘I’m there to answer questions. I’ve been there a long time. You’re only a free agent once in your career, [and] you’re not just moving yourself. You’re moving your whole family.’
Jeter, who is nearing the end of the 10-year, $189-million contract he signed in 2001, paused when asked if it seems odd the Yankees would give Sabathia $160 million (over seven years) at a time when the sputtering global economy is throwing people out of work.
‘When you put it that way, yeah,’ he said. ‘The numbers are mind-boggling. But I think it says a lot about the state of the game. Baseball’s in a pretty good state right now.’
-- Kevin Baxter