In the fashion world it’s often noted that pinstripes can have a slimming effect on a person who is, well, let’s just say a bit hefty in the middle.  However, I’m not sure that the stripes on C.C. Sabathia’s new home uni’s will be able to cover up the bulge caused by the wallet in his hip pocket after the New York Yankees backed up an armored car and unloaded a new seven year, $161 million contract for the free agent southpaw.

The slow pace of this winter’s shopping in the majors picked up the past few days with front office executives holding their annual gathering in Las Vegas, and the biggest movers and shakers have been the two clubs from New York.  Yankees GM Brian Cashman reached deep into the very deep pockets of the Steinbrenners and locked up Sabathia, the top starting pitcher on the market this offseason just when rumors had the heavy lefthander seemingly ready to sign clear across the Lower 48 with the Dodgers in Los Angeles.

Meanwhile over in Queens, Mets GM Omar Minaya addressed the club’s bullpen woes in two separate transactions, inking free agent closer Francisco Rodriguez to a three year, $37 million contract before getting in the middle of a three-team, 12-player trade that brought former Seattle closer J.J. Putz to Queens, presumably to serve as Rodriguez’ setup arm.

You trying to say Jesus Christ can’t hit a curveball?

Sabathia’s new contract is the largest ever doled out to a pitcher and naturally brought out the Yankee Haters from Boston to Southern California to spew their vitriol regarding the virtues of the most successful franchise in MLB history.  There were probably something along the lines a bazillion posts in the past 24 hours or so ranting about the Yankees overpaying for Sabathia.  Then again, if the Steinbrenners hired Jesus Christ to do some light carpentry work at their new digs along 161st Street, somebody somewhere would say the Yankees overpaid.

The Yankees aren’t done either according to rumors.  Jerry Crasnick over at ESPN reports the Bronx Bombers have upped their offer to former Florida and Toronto hurler to include a guaranteed fifth year, and might also be in the running for Ben Sheets who was a teammate of Sabathia’s in Milwaukee the second half of last season.  And the raid on the Brewers’ roster might not end there as ESPN is also reporting New York Is trying to work out a deal with the Brew Crew that would send outfielder Melky Cabrera to Milwaukee in return for outfielder Mike Cameron.

Atlanta is also believed to still be on Burnett’s radar though the Braves are apparently balking at adding a fifth, guaranteed year to their offer.

Minaya and the Mets had little choice but to upgrade the bullpen after a season that saw their relievers rank 13th in the NL in relief ERA.  Once closer Billy Wagner went down with elbow trouble in August, the team watched their playoff hopes slip away for a second consecutive season.  New York relievers blew 29 saves overall on the season as managers Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel shuffled in one reliever after another looking for someone, anyone to take over the closing job.

Is there a K-Rod vs. A-Rod	meeting ahead in '09 Series?

Enter K-Rod and J.J. to save the day.  Rodriguez recorded a major league record 62 saves for the Angels in 2008, appearing in a career high 76 games.  Putz, who spent part of last season on Seattle’s DL with elbow trouble, will now set K-Rod up and give the Mets’ the strongest back end of a bullpen in the NL if not the majors entering next season…that is the strongest on paper and as long as everyone stays healthy.

In the three-team trade between the Mets, Mariners and Indians, New York sent righthander Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and four minor leaguers to Seattle with the Mariners in turn sending outfielder Jeremy Reed and righthander Sean Green back to New York.  The Mariners also received outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from Cleveland while the Indians got righthander Joe Smith from the Mets and minor league infielder Luis Valbuena from Seattle.  Got all that?

Minaya noted input from Mets fans after the signing of Rodriguez and trade for Putz.

"All I kept hearing on the streets in New York, if you go get bagels in the morning, it was, 'Please, address the bullpen.' Well, to you, Mets fans, we've addressed the bullpen."

With Sabathia now off the market it leaves two big free agent hitters left to decide where they are going.  First baseman Mark Teixeira has reportedly received a monster offer from the Washington Nationals of all teams.  Other rumors have Tex going to Boston.

And then there’s Manny Ramirez who is looking for A-Rod money on a four-year deal.  Considering how things usually work out for the flaky outfielder, he’ll probably get it.  After all, getting his way is part of Manny being Manny.

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