Sox hope this is farewell

The White Sox don't play the Indians again until Sept. 1.

By that time, Cleveland ace C.C. Sabathia figures to be long gone.

"I don't think I'll be too upset if I never face C.C. anymore after today,'' Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski said before hitting his first career home run off Sabathia in Wednesday night's 6-5 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.

Perhaps the biggest name on the trade block as the July 31 nonwaiver deadline nears, Sabathia has been tough on the White Sox throughout his career.

That trend continued Wednesday as the big left-hander survived a shaky first 2 innings before settling into a groove.

Sabathia, the American League Cy Young Award winner last season, pitched 8 innings and allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits. He got a no-decision to remain a career 14-4 against the Sox.

Eligible for free agency at the end of the season, Sabathia already has turned down a reported four-year, $72-million offer from the Indians.

That's led to rampant speculation the 27-year-old pitcher is going to be moved to whatever team offers the best package of talent.

"He's always a challenge,'' Pierzynski said. "If he's gone, I don't think any guy on this team would shed too many tears. I'm sure the Indians fans would be upset, probably the Indians players, he's a great guy. But the White Sox, I doubt we'll miss him very much.''

The Cubs are rumored to be interested in Sabathia.

"The Cubs are the best team in the National League without him,'' Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "The Cubs have a good ballclub. Wherever C.C. goes, he's going to help. If he stays there (Cleveland), he's going to help them. C.C.'s been one of the best in the league the last five, six, seven years.''

No matter where he plays out the rest of the season, Sabathia is going to cash in big before the 2009 season.

"I want to be his agent or his wife,'' Guillen joked. "Or his kids. Because I know a lot of cake (money) comes from him, a lot of cake.''