TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Money Not The Priority

ADVERTISEMENT

By COLIN FLY

The Associated Press

Published: October 6, 2008

MILWAUKEE - Let the race for the ace begin.

But don't think a truck full of money will be the top factor in where CC Sabathia decides to sign.

After the Brewers were bumped out of the NL playoffs Sunday with a 6-2 loss to Philadelphia, the free-agent-to-be said that happiness, not money, will play a major role. The big left-hander sure had fun in Milwaukee, too.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say this was one of the better times I had in my career," said Sabathia, who went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts with the Brewers. "Coming here, meeting these guys and being on this team, was a good experience."

Sabathia said he hasn't made any decisions on his future. But he certainly added lots of zeros to his potential pay day after Cleveland traded him to Milwaukee for four prospects on July 7.

The reigning AL Cy Young winner pitched seven complete games in the NL and made four consecutive starts on three days' rest, including a complete game in a 3-1 victory over the Cubs that gave Milwaukee the NL wild card.

"I enjoyed my time. These guys are great. This clubhouse is awesome," Sabathia said.

He was awesome, too, in carrying Milwaukee to its first postseason trip since 1982.

Sabathia would have been the Game 5 starter, if necessary, but had to settle for a pinch hit at-bat in the third inning and an offseason to rest after 2562/3 innings, including playoffs.

"I feel fine. I feel good, actually," Sabathia said. "I thought I'd be a lot more sore than I am, actually. I feel real good and had no problems doing what needed to be done."

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT