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When I woke up this morning and turned my TV to Mike and Mike in the Morning, I was greeted with breaking news. The New York Yankees were about to sign pitcher C.C. Sabathia to a 7-year, $161 million contract, making him the richest player in major league baseball.

Even though free agency is in high form, there have been many reports that the money paid out to players this year will be slightly lower because of the economy. Just yesterday, the Mets signed Francisco Rodriguez to a deal that was lower than previously expected (don’t worry…he’ll survive).

A lot of people were looking to Sabathia to set the tone. Unfortunately, the Evil Empire decided to swoop in and disregard all economic tones and overpay.

ESPN.com has not let this pass by unscathed. On their front page today, they included an application where you could see how your salary stacks up to Sabathia’s. I entered my salary and here are the results:

To achieve my salary, C.C. Sabathia will have to have:

 - .3 strikeouts
- .02 wins
- .04 games
- .3 innings pitched 

In the flip side, I will need to work 846.56 years in order to make CC Sabathia’s annual salary. 

Now I’m not here to complain about my salary. I’m happy with the money I make. It provides what I need and even a little more for luxuries.

But if I’m happy, satisfied, and doing just fine with the money I have, is there really a need for a major league baseball pitcher…who works 1 out of every 5 days…7 months a year…to make $161 million over the next 7 years?

Some will say it’s supply and demand. As fans, we go to the games and pay for tickets, food, merchandise, etc. In turn, that money goes right back to the players.

To an extend that is true, but I have a feeling things are about to change. Major League Baseball (especially the New York Yankees) is losing touch with the common man.

The players and owners might not see it now, but the economic downturn will have an effect on baseball. Have you seen how outrageous the ticket prices are for baseball games? If you want a seat where you can see the players, you’re going to have to shell out $22 per seat, plus another $6 per seat for handling, shipping, convenience fees, yada yada yada. 

And don’t even think about eating at a game! Apparently Satan is now controlling the prices for food at games. Hot dogs can run $6. A 20 oz soda will cost you at least $4.50. If you’re a beer drinker, it’s time to give it up…cause that will cost you around $8 a cup!

Baseball doesn’t realize that in the 2009 season, we are not going to shell out the cash like we once did. Sure, season tickets might not suffer in setbacks because they people that used to buy them can still afford them. But the average household can no longer afford to make weekend trips to the ballpark when tickets, food, and parking will cost $150+.

The owners, the players, the GMs, and the agents need to realize WE are the ones who make the game popular. WE are the ones who pay their salaries. WE are the ones who bring in all of the revenue. Without us, they have nothing. 

Unfortunately, their eyes have been blinded by greed and big market teams are still willing to overpay with big market prices for big market players.

Major League Baseball has lost touch with the rest of us.

Tags: C.C. Sabathia, Francisco Rodriquez, K-Rod, Major League Baseball, Mets, Mike and Mike in the Morning, New York Yankees