New York Yankees: Why CC Sabathia Deal Will be Dwarfed by Blockbuster Trade

Before free agency even began, New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman alleviated the anxieties that were plaguing each and every one of the fans.  With staff ace CC Sabathia on the verge of opting out of his contract that had four years and $92 million remaining, the front office wizard and the big lefty agreed to simple terms.  One year and $25 million would be added to the current contract, plus a vesting option for $25 million and a $5 million buyout for the following year.

Sabathia later said he never wanted to leave the Yankees, citing how his family loves living in the New York area and he loves being part of the team.

Yet, if I know my Yankees as well as I think I do, they aren't done yet.  They've recently reached out to the agent for southpaw starter C.J. Wilson, but something tells me that's only a power move to make the Texas Rangers overpay to retain his services.

Rather, I'm expecting the New York Yankees to make the ultimate power move this offseason by making a trade that will surely put them back in title contention in 2012.  A trade for a pitcher who will nicely define the middle of the starting rotation.

That pitcher's name: Francisco Liriano.

Now, before you all start writing your hate mail, I'm going to ask that you hear me out.  Sure, Liriano is coming off of a bad year.  In 2011, the Dominican lefty went 9-10 with an awful ERA of 5.09, not to mention a 1.49 WHIP and just 112 strikeouts in 134.1 innings as his Minnesota Twins completely underachieved and were easily one of the biggest disappointments of the season.

Yet, let's not forget that Liriano had a decent year in 2010.  He went 14-10 with a 3.62 ERA and struck out 201 batters in 191.2 innings while posting a 1.26 WHIP.  If the Twins were any good at scoring lots of runs, his numbers that year (and overall) would be much better.

That being said, last season was a fluke for Liriano.  Not only was his team awful and not providing him any support, but his regular catcher, Joe Mauer, was injured for most of the season and only played in 82 games.  Of those 82, only 52 were played at catcher.

Thus, Liriano is due for a rebound year and with his contract year approaching, the cash-strapped Twins will definitely look to deal him.  Considering he was awful in 2011, he will most definitely come fairly cheap.

Enter Cashman.  He will give Twins GM Bill Smith a call and inquire about the hard-throwing lefty and the two will talk turkey over how a deal can be made.

The best part about this potential deal is that it can be made quite painlessly.  If you think about it, this is basically a salary dumping move by the Twins and in that case, the Yankees wouldn't be forced to give up top prospects.  More importantly, it's safe to say that Liriano's value is pretty low considering his 2011 numbers.

With that, I will now give you my prediction for the completely fair offer that will make Francisco Liriano a Yankee.  Cashman will send minor league infielder Kevin Russo along with pitcher David Phelps and a low-level minor leaguer as well as cash.  In return, the Yankees will receive Liriano, lefty reliever Jose Mijares and a player to be named later.

These men will finally live up to their full potentials in New York now that they will finally have some run support and if they adjust to the city well, then the sky is the limit.

Of course, when I say that, I mean the New York Yankees will once again be World Series champs in 2012.  I mean, who doesn't want to see that?

That all being said, get to work, Cashman!  We want Liriano and we want him fast!