"On a Sunday afternoon that so many presumed would be the last time to see CC Sabathia in a Milwaukee uniform, the left-hander who carried the Brewers into the playoffs almost singlehandedly said "Wait a minute."

"Who knows, maybe it's not my last appearance," Sabathia told reporters shortly after the Brewers' 6-2 loss to Philadelphia in Game 4 of a National League Division Series that ended their season.

"Coming here, meeting these guys, making new friends, that will all factor in my decision," said Sabathia, who went 11-2 with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts for the Brewers. "This is a great team. I wanted to come in and add to it. Luckily, I was able to do that."

Sabathia was loose and friendly during the clubhouse session, the personification of the friendly and outgoing personality that captured the hearts of those around here as much as his pitching.

But the interview took a momentary turn when he was asked what it would take to sign him, an area he is not ready to discuss.

When Sabathia did a double-take, the questioner quickly added, "Environment-wise."

Sabathia responded quickly. "This," he said emphatically. "This is the ideal environment. A young, talented team, a great clubhouse, guys get along and have fun. I've really enjoyed my time here.""