Re-signing C.C. Sabathia remains an issue that Cleveland GM Mark Shapiro wants to deal with sooner rather than later, which means before training camp starts. However, if he sees that talks are promising, he will be flexible with his timetable. Unlike many fans and those in the media, Shapiro does not see the attempt to re-sign Sabathia as a lost cause. "As far as C.C. goes, there's not anyone who is stronger in wanting to stay here, and that's after our best days and our worst days," Shapiro said. "But with the magnitude of his success, the question is whether there's a business deal that can be struck with ownership. I think there's a chance." Shapiro has no plans to trade Sabathia who can be a free agent after next season even if no agreement is reached on a contract. "It's my job to put the strongest possible team on the field," he said. "It's hard to see how I could do that without C.C."