So, it's official... the Steinbrenners have announced an offer of $140 million over six years to have CC Sabathia pitch in pinstripes. And it's probably the worst move the Yanks could possibly make this offseason.
Yes, CC won a Cy Young in 2007, and pitched the Brewers into the playoffs, throwing what seemed like 1,017 innings in the process. But, for a second straight year, he was shelled in the playoffs (in 2007 by the Boston Red Sox, and this year by the Philadelphia Phillies). He dominated the National League, but his 5-8 record with the Tribe in the more potent AL was less than stellar. For the Yankees to have a serious chance to even make the playoffs in 2009, they need a proven starter, someone who's proved they can win in baseball's toughest division. That pitcher is A.J. Burnett.
Sure, CC is probably too tempting for Hank to resist, but the Yanks have more issues than just pitching. And a investing millions of dollars in a starting pitcher almost never works out, either because of injuries (Mike Hampton, 2000 Rockies), or mediocre performance (Barry Zito, 2007 Giants) and, when it does, the team sometimes misses the playoffs anyway (Johan Santana, 2008 Mets).
Signing Burnett, who won 18 games last year (6 against AL East teams) to a reasonable deal (perhaps along the lines of the deal they gave to another former Marlin, Carl Pavano) would satiate the Steinbrenners need to make a splash in the free agent market, and still leave money on the table to get some youth in the outfield, or a power hitter for the infield (perhaps a trade for Prince Fielder if Texeira slips through their grasp?).
Yes, it was painful to see the likes of Sidney Ponson and Darrel Rasner pitching in games with playoff implications, but a rotation with Chien-Ming Wang (who won 19 games in consecutive seasons), Burnett, Mike Mussina (if he decides not retire), Andy Pettite, and Joba Chamberlain/Phil Hughes would be fairly potent, and $100 million dollars more affordable.
Hilary Rhoda
Chelsey Buhler
Men's Grand Slam All-Time Leaders
Roger Federer's Grand Slam Titles
Comments (11) Add A Comment
It's an interesting conumdrum. Yes, CC was BS in the AL, but in thinking about it, "great" starters would win you 1 in 5 games. That's 34 games. Obviously, the Yanks can't be that bad because they won another 50 this season. I'd say the batting needs a fix.
I hear the Peavy deal fell through with the Braves, so wouldn't the be cheaper?? How do you think he'd go in the AL?
It makes me laugh at times that teams think 1 pitcher can fix all the problems.
eylesy
Total Comments (147)
"CC won a Cy Young in 2007 and pitched the Brewers into the playoffs"
"to even make the playoffs...[The Yankees] need a proven starter"
Well, seeing that he was the best pitcher in the AL in '07 and, if he pitched for the Brewers all season, could have won the Cy Young this year, not to mention that he single-handedly picthed a team to the postseaon, I'd say Sabathia is a proven starter that can give the Yankees playoff hopes. And after this past season, I'd say they're just working on making the playoffs again more than succeeding in October. They'll get to the playoff problem when and if they make it there, but CC can take them there.
Cheezhead
Shimtown, PA
Total Comments (7366)
the yankees have so much $ they will sign AJ, CC plus some
yanksfan2
Glens Falls , NY
Total Comments (143)
ya newsflash the yanks are going after both
jeterrules
Canton , MA
Total Comments (141)
They announced they are going after CC, Burnett, and lowe. One of three? or more? if CC goes for a lesser amount saves themselves payroll costs thereafter by bring down the market costs.
The Original Tony
Total Comments (8892)
so ure saying a.j burnet is better than c.c sabathia lol the a.j burnett who has pitched only 200 innings 3 times and out of those 3 times 2 of them have been when he was about to be a free agent idk it sounds a little bit to suspect to me lol
bigmoneyb
Brooklyn , NY
Total Comments (3)
good article...i basically said the same thing in my blog a few days ago...its called "Pros and Convicts" you should read it
AutoMattic322
Southbury , CT
Total Comments (96)
Did you even read the blog?
lvguy
Las Vegas , NV
Total Comments (341)
great just what we need a team analysis from a redsox fan, worry about your own team because you guys didn't make the world series either. of course he wouldn't want us to get CC. We'll be alright
Deegoode
Total Comments (9)
Ultimately, teams play the game for the post-season. I am a huge CC fan, being an Indians season ticket holder. He will get you to the post-season, but he will crumble under the big lights of October. CC is best as a number 2 starter, where he won't have the "ace" expectations. On the positive side, he is a workhorse, and will consistently give a team 200+ innings a year. Just don't expect playoff victories.
I hope the Yankees sign him to a six year contract, because that will be another six years without a World Series championship.
patrick ewing's…
Cleveland , OH
Total Comments (5)
Akuze has to be a Boston fan to think that the Yankees are going to fall for a BS of a story like this one. I remember CC starting the year with 4 straight losses and having an era of 7.00 to 8.00.... after some adjusting, he went 3-5 with better mechanics. After that point, he won 12 straight games... and just in case you want to bring up your BS about how he couldn't win in the AL, well just another stat for you... in 3 of his losses, his era was around 2.20
Let's see how his record would have been, if his team would have won.. 9 - 5... but he no.. he finished with a record of 6 - 8 in the AL.... wow, he surely can't handle the AL... again Akuze... your story is total BS and i can't believe anyone allowed you to even post it, while putting BS stats...
good luck someone believing his story!!!
KSirys
Little Falls , NJ
Total Comments (1)
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