"Love might not conquer business for CC Sabathia.

The Yankees ace -- a possible free agent-to-be -- reiterated yesterday he loves being in New York. But while Sabathia admitted it would be hard to leave, that won't necessarily carry his decision.

"Of course it would be [difficult to leave]. It was difficult for me to leave Milwaukee. But you understand that baseball is a business," Sabathia told The Post outside Yankee Stadium yesterday. "I do love it here. My family loves it here. But we'll have to wait and see what happens."

That Sabathia cited his time with the Brewers could be an ominous sign and an indicator the lefty is prepared to play hardball with the Yankees.

Love might not conquer business for CC Sabathia.

The Yankees ace -- a possible free agent-to-be -- reiterated yesterday he loves being in New York. But while Sabathia admitted it would be hard to leave, that won't necessarily carry his decision.

"Of course it would be [difficult to leave]. It was difficult for me to leave Milwaukee. But you understand that baseball is a business," Sabathia told The Post outside Yankee Stadium yesterday. "I do love it here. My family loves it here. But we'll have to wait and see what happens."

That Sabathia cited his time with the Brewers could be an ominous sign and an indicator the lefty is prepared to play hardball with the Yankees. "