LAS VEGAS -- Superstar free-agent pitcher CC Sabathia would love to go home to the Giants. But do they have the resolve, or more importantly, the cash, to bid anywhere in the Yankees' stratosphere?

One person familiar with the Giants' thinking said they've "kicked the tires,'' on Sabathia, whatever that means. Other sources suggest the Giants are definitely talking to Sabathia's agents about the Vallejo, Calif., product.

But it's going to take more than talk. The Yankees have bid $140 million for six years and could be willing to go higher, if necessary. Even the incumbent Brewers have bid $100 million for five years, and people close to the situation indicate they're willing to enhance their offer, perhaps by adding a year.

So where does that leave the Giants?

While one Giants person said, "what we really need is a bat,'' they do appear to be at least involved. The problem is the price.

The Giants, under new managing partner Bill Neukom, have been the most aggressive free-agent signers so far, having inked shortstop Edgar Renteria and relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Bobby Howry. But Sabathia is in whole other league. And there are questions about whether the Giants could pay two pitchers about $20 million (Barry Zito makes $18 million) and about whether Sabathia could justify getting less than Zito ($126 million total) from the very same team.

Beyond all that, as the Giants person said, they really need a hitter.