"By the time two days of meetings in Tampa ends tomorrow, the Yankees will develop a plan they hope will keep CC Sabathia from opting out of a contract following the World Series.

General manager Brian Cashman will chair meetings of Yankees brass that will include president Randy Levine, assistant GM Jean Afterman, Billy Eppler, the head of pro scouting, and likely owner Hal Steinbrenner.

Cashman's new contract could be finalized in Tampa.

"Their hope is to present Sabathia with an offer he is agreeable with before he opts out,'' said a person with knowledge of the Yankees' thinking."