Smartball through 2012

That is an interesting way to look at it. And if it weren't for his young age I'd completely buy into that line of thinking (which would suggest basically avoiding re-upping players). I think CC has certainly earned whatever he will make after next year, but I also think theres a good chance he'll earn whatever he makes in his second FA contract year as well [may not have came out right, I basically saying that after his contract that he signs after '08 his next contract (5-7 years later) will have been earned by what I expect to be similar numbers through what should be the peak of his career.]