Powered by the new Monty Python website ^[1], here’s the news:

• A C.C. (opt-out) Rider included?: MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy has some interesting news regarding the Brewers’ offer to Sabathia:

The Brewers may have upped their offer to free-agent ace CC Sabathia before a face-to-face meeting at the Bellagio, and team officials may be mulling another new twist: an opt-out clause midway through the deal.

The Chicago Tribune cited “sources” Monday indicating that the Brewers had already added a sixth year to their initial proposal, and that general manager Doug Melvin was “considering a willingness” to add a clause that would give Sabathia the opportunity to opt out after three seasons. In that scenario, Sabathia could be a free agent again in the 2011-12 offseason as a 31-year-old.

But that report was topped by SI.com, which reported that the opt-out clause could be presented after just two years, when Sabathia would be 30. SI.com was among the outlets reporting that the Brewers were only considering adding the sixth year, and had not yet done so formally.

• However, C.C. may have already made up his mind … or Ned Colletti may be playing games …. if ESPN.com ^[2] is to be believed:

Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti told ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark on Monday that he ran into the free agent on Sunday night in a hotel lobby and the left-hander told him that he wants to be a Dodger.

• According to the MLB.com ^[3] “Hot Stove Blog”, the Colletti has not even begun speaking to the Yankees about the availability of Robinson Cano.
• Jayson Stark and Jerry Crasnick ^[4] are noting that the Yanks are making motions towards A.J. Burnett, possibly offering more money per year than other suitors but not the fifth year Burnett is seeking.  Nonetheless, it appears Burnett is leaning towards Atlanta.
• Joel Sherman of the Post ^[5] writes that none other than Mr. October was brought into the Yanks’ meeting with C.C. Sabathia on Sunday.  A little star power never hurts, right?  Sherman also reports that Jorge Posada began his throwing program at the team’s minor league complex in Tampa.
• Yanks want to be short-Sheeted?: Mark Feinsand of the News ^[6] reports that the Yankees plan to offer Ben Sheets a two-year, $26 million deal.
• According to ESPN’s ^[7] Jayson Stark, Bobby Abreu (along with Raul Ibanez) is drawing interest from the Cubs.
• Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com ^[8] reports that the Cardinals may be a new suitor for A.J. Burnett.

• Jack Curry of the Times ^[9] speaks to Jay Rood, Race and Sports Book Director of the MGM Mirage, on how the goings-on of the Meetings may impact the World Series futures odds for 2009.  It appears that Mr. Rood knows what the Yankees need … at a minimum.

When Rood was asked how quickly he would adjust the Yankees’ 6-1 odds if they signed the pitchers C. C. Sabathia and A. J. Burnett and first baseman Mark Teixeira on Monday, he said it would be instantaneous. To protect against bettors hustling to pick the Yankees, Rood would lower the odds.

Since Rood said the Yankees needed “more than one arm” in their starting rotation and had “some holes,” he would not be in a rush to do much if they added only Sabathia.

“If it was just C. C., I might not even touch it,” Rood said.

• The Times ^[10] reports on additional bond offerings being granted for the construction of the Yanks and Mets new stadia.  Similarly, the AP ^[11] is reporting:

In the Yankees’ application, the team is asking for another $259 million in tax-exempt bonds and $111 million in taxable bonds, on top of $940 million in tax-exempt bonds and $25 million in taxable bonds already granted for its $1.3 billion stadium.

• For you vegans out there, I stumbled upon PETA’s ranking of the most vegetarian-friendly major league parks ^[12] of 2008.  The old Yankee Stadium didn’t make the top 10, but did nab an honorable mention.
• You can “meet and greet” Goose Gossage this Thursday at the Sports Museum of America ^[13] in downtown Manhattan (autograph purchase required … but they don’t list how much that costs).
• Speaking of food …. donating food can get you into the new Yankee Stadium, as per MLB.com ^[14]:

The Yankees will once again be looking to help out those in need throughout the Bronx and partnering with Goya Foods to put together the 15th annual Yankees Food Drive, the club announced Monday.

The event will take place Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gate 2 of the old Yankee Stadium …. Any fan bringing 25 pounds of non-perishable food or making a $25 donation will receive a voucher good for two grandstand or bleacher tickets to a Monday-Thursday, non-premium, April or May 2009 home game at the new Yankee Stadium.

• Tony Tarasco (.161/.229/.226 in 31 ABs in 1999) turns 38 today.  BTW, Tony is a cousin of Jimmy Rollins.  Happy 60th birthday to George (Doc) Medich.  Medich was traded to the Pirates in December of ’75 for Willie Randolph and two other players.  As you may know, Medich IS actually a doctor, and while playing in Texas, he went into the stands to give CPR to a stricken fan, saving the fan’s life.  Rich Bladt turns 62.  Bladt played in ten games for the Cubs in 1969, got traded to the Yanks following that season, then didn’t see any more major league action he amassed 117 ABs with the Bombers in 1975.
• (This isn’t a Yankee “on this day” note, but its relevant to what’s going on in our country lately …) On this day in 1931, baseball owners, fearful of the effects of the Depression, vote to cut squads from 25 players to 23. Both leagues will stop awarding MVP trophies. The National League continues to prohibit uniform numbers. As noted by historian (the late) Doug Pappas, the NL loans the Phillies $35,000 and loans Judge Emil Fuchs, owner of the Braves, $20,000 secured by his stock. Fuchs’ finances are such that he won’t even pay the interest from 1935-37, and will file for bankruptcy in 1938, three years after retiring from the Braves.
• On this day in 1981, one day after announcing that manager Bob Lemon will return in 1982, the Yankees announce that former manager Gene Michael, whom Lemon replaced on September 6th, will return as manager for the 1983 season.
• On this day in 1982, the Yankees sign FA Steve Kemp to a five-year contract, and trade OF Dave Collins, pitcher Mike Morgan, and minor leaguer Fred McGriff to the Blue Jays for P Dale Murray and minor leaguer Tom Dodd.  (yes …. THAT Fred McGriff … oy … oh well, he would have been blocking Mattingly in a year or so … right?)
• On this day in 1988, the Yanks sign a 12-year, $493.5 million TV contract with the Madison Square Garden Network.