What Bad Economy? Did anyone tell the Yankees?

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

LAS VEGAS -- If the preliminary figures on CC Sabathia’s agreement with the New York Yankees -- seven years and $160 million -- prove true, it would be the richest contract ever for a pitcher and the fourth-largest of any kind in baseball history.

Here are 10 most lucrative contracts of all time:

1. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees, $275 million (2008-17)

2. Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers, $252 million (2001-10)

3. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, $189 million (2001-10)

4. Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox, $160 million (2001-08)

5. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers, $152.3 millon (2008-15)

6. Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies, $141.5 million (2001-11)

7. Johan Santana, New York Mets, $137.5 million (2008-13)

8. Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs, $136 million (2007-14)

9. (tie) Vernon Wells, Toronto Blues $126 million (2008-14)

Barry Zito, San Francisco Giants (2007-13)

-- Kevin Baxter