Chicago Cubs, Theo Epstein Could Make Huge Splash with Pitch to CC Sabathia

When Theo Epstein is eventually installed as the new GM of the Cubs, I mentioned that his first order of business is firing the not-ready-for-prime-time Mike Quade.

But I'm thinking that Epstein is going to want to make a splash in his first season at the Cubs helm. So what better way than to make a run at the Yankees' CC Sabathia?

Yes, I know it is unlikely that Sabathia leaves the Yankees. After all, he says he loves it there and he has been very successful.

But odds are he will opt out of his current contract. And while that may just be a ploy to get more money from the Yanks, it gives Epstein and the Cubs an opportunity to steal him away.

Look, the Cubs, like most teams, need starting pitching and Sabathia is one of the best. Plus, wouldn't it be delicious for Epstein to stick it to his old nemesis in New York?

Now, I know what you're thinking. Nobody outbids the Yankees when they want a player. But wait, not so fast.

The Yankees desperately wanted Cliff Lee, but how did that turn out?  

Meanwhile, money talks. For if it didn't, he wouldn't opt out of his contract.

So, let's say Epstein, wanting to make a huge splash in his inaugural season as general manager of the Cubs, offers Sabathia a deal he cannot refuse.

A 10-year contract for $170 million.

Now I once again know what you're thinking. Bob Warja has lost his mind. But hey, I never had a mind to begin with, so ha.

I know the man is 31-years-old. And signing a guy to a 10-year contract, especially at that age, is insane.

But there is a method to the madness.

The Cubs could front load the contract at $25 million a year for the first five seasons and let's face it, in the current MLB climate, that is not an unreasonable salary if he continues to dominate.

That means only $45 million is left for the remaining five seasons. At $9 million a season, even a declining Sabathia could be acceptable at that price.

And even if he isn't, if he leads the Cubs to a World Series, all will be forgiven.

The 10-year commitment may appeal to Sabathia, while the Yankees, who have recently become a bit more frugal since the Boss passed away, will likely balk at that price.

This idea isn't as crazy as it sounds. If the Cubs were to go after C.J. Wilson of the Rangers, they will be paying him around $100 million for five seasons.

Instead, for $70 million more, they get one of the two or three best pitchers on the planet.

Hey, I know this is likely not going to happen. But to be big, you have to dream big.

And nobody would argue that Sabathia isn't big.