John, I agree with everything you wrote.  It’s so hard to compare guys to Tino and O’Neill – they were special Yankees and special individuals.  And you’re right money doesn’t buy happiness.  But I think of Mike Mussina.  When Mike Mussina became a free agent in 2000 – people said: “He’s a quiet guy.”  “He’s not going to like NY.”  “He likes small town Montoursville, PA, NY isn’t for him.” 

The Yankees went full court press for Mussina, but I believe if the Orioles weren’t so disorganized at the time and came close with the money – he probably would’ve went back to Baltimore where his commute back to Montoursville was easy, etc.  He probably would have preferred to stay in Baltimore, but Mike went for the most money and I’d even venture to say – Moose was ultimately happy in NY. 

I bring this up only to illustrate that it is possible for CC Sabathia to prefer to go to the West Coast, but come here for the most money and have it work out.  I just heard in the car at luch time that Cashman has a meeting with CC prior to the meetings commencing, so I’m confident it will work out.  Cashman is probably going to tell him to explore his options and see what’s there BUT to come back to the Yankees at the end and we’ll see what we can do – type of thing.  We may have to pay more, but I’ve always expected that with him.