MLB Free Agents 2012: CC Sabathia to Opt-Out, Yankees Should Let Him Walk

I know I'm dealing with pride over brains, but if CC Sabathia opts-out, and it looks like he will, I believe the New York Yankees should just let him go.

I'm sick and tired of these super-rich stars who are being paid more than enough to sustain a life, taking advantage of the money the Yankees have earned in their history.

First, it was Alex Rodriguez in 2007, opting-out of his record $252 million contract, looking for more years and money. Both of those things he didn't deserve up until that point, and he still doesn't until this day.

Now comes CC Sabathia, who had a dismal showing in the 2011 MLB postseason, posting a 6.23 ERA and failing to win a single game in the ALDS against the Detroit Tigers. Apparently, the original, seven-year, $161 million deal wasn't enough for Sabathia, and just like his appetite for food, he is starving for more money.

The Yankees have reportedly put on the table what was considered a "very fair offer" to their big lefty, but all indications are that he will still opt-out.

To say he should honor the remainder of his contract is an understatement at best. Sabathia continues to get wider as the years go on—something that is alarming for a pitcher approaching the twilight years of his career.

If I was the Yankees' brass, I would let him walk. Clearly he's putting himself over the team—something that isn't rare in this day in age. Sabathia is trying to hold up the Yanks for more money because he knows he can.

To show you a stark contrast to CC's approach, Robinson Cano had an MVP-like year in 2011 and deserves a bigger contract according to the standards set by the free agent market in years past. Still, Cano has reportedly stated he will honor his contract because he did sign it in the first place.

Nobody likes greedy, overpaid superstars, and Sabathia takes the cake. He takes it, then eats it.

The Yankees would have a scary rotation without him: scary bad. But that's not to say they would be in trouble for the rest of their existence if Sabathia leaves. They have more than enough in money and prospects to go out and find another ace.

If Sabathia wants to be paid like the best starter in baseball, the Yankees shouldn't do it. He isn't even in the top five as far as I'm concerned, and the Bombers should let him go get overpaid someplace else.

It isn't the end of the world if Sabathia leaves. And I'd guarantee that if they do give him all the years and money he wants, they will end up regretting it just like they are now with Alex Rodriguez.

Come Thursday at midnight, if Sabathia opts-out, good riddance.

It's time for the Yankees to show some guts.