I like the way you think John – this country was built on thinking like that. 

I counsel patience.  I understand the anxiety of signing him.  This situation requires a delicate touch.  There is no reason why Sabathia would sign before the winter meetings.  If Sabathia takes time after the winter meetings then I’m on board with your thinking that he doesn’t want to be a Yankee.  I’m not there yet.  I can’t assume that he doesn’t want to be a Yankee at this point in time.

And you really raise the real issue that concerns me.  What’s the plan “B?”  Is it to just as Mike says: “spend like drunken sailors” and pick up every offensive guy out there?  I don’t know, but if we don’t get Sabathia, I’m worried about what the plan B is.  During the season before he broke down, I thought Ben Sheets would be a good alternative, but it’s too risky – he’s only slightly more durable than Pavano. 

And, by the way, Sabathia is better than Pavano (at his peak) and I’m definitely on board with your David Wells comparison.  It’s the one thing that gives me pause about Sabathia too.  His conditioning is it going to be there for the life of the contract?  It’s a big committment….