FanNation - The Republic of Sport

In today's news, the New York Yankees beat out a large group of competitors, mainly themselves, to sign CC Sabathia.  What a shocker.  I'll get to my feelings on this in a little bit, but first;

1)  Exactly how long will it take the New York Yankees to figure out that throwing millions upon millions at various free agents, does not equal championships?  With a payroll coming close to $200 million in 2008, they couldn't even get a Wild Card berth.  And who won the AL East this year?  The Tampa Bay Rays, and their payroll that's only slightly larger then your local 7/11.  When the Yanks were dominant, they didn't have an All Star at every position.  They actually had a TEAM.  Now they're loaded to the brim with primadonnas, drama queens, and choke artists.  Alex Rodriguez?  Please, someone explain to me how a guy who bats .000000234 in the playoffs is worth $275 million?  Jason Giambi?  HE WEARS THONGS DURING GAMES.  Are you kidding me?  To be honest, the only guys I have any respect for out of the Yankees organization are Jeter, Rivera, and Mussina...and one of those guys just retired.  

2)  Now, being a Brewers fan, you might expect me to be pretty distraught right now.  I'm disappointed, but not really upset.  I am a little shocked that he did end up going to the Yankees.  I was almost certain that he was stalling for a California team to make him an offer.  But, I do feel compelled to say that all of us here in Milwaukee, and the state of Wisconsin, owe our thanks to CC.  I was at the game against the Reds, when he hit his home run, and it was one of the more memorable experiences of my life.  I have been going to Brewer games since I was 4, and I have never heard a Milwaukee crowd that excited (and loud).  He, along with the rest of this years Brewers team, awoke a sleeping giant.  Milwaukee is a baseball town, and we have suffered through years of lousy ownership, and terrible management.  This year was sweet, to say the least - and CC had a big, BIG part in helping resurrect baseball in Wisconsin. He gave every thing he had to get the Brewers back into the postseason, and considering what was at stake for him in the offseason, he truly is one of a kind.  It was one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed, as not just a Brewer fan, but a baseball fan in general.  Good luck CC - and you will always be welcome in Milwaukee.

3)  Now, just one more thing;  I really wish people would lay off Sabathia about his postseason struggles.  Once again, the criticisms that come his way are a definite indicator of how little the media actually does any research.  The last two years should definitely not be held against him; you try pitching beyond 230 innings, in cold weather, on a 270 lb frame.  Comparing CC to Alex Rodriguez is absolutely, mind numbingly dumb, as well.  A-Rod struggles because he's more concerned about, um, other things...Madonna, for instance.  CC struggles in the postseason because he has constantly put his team on his back.  In 2007, CC did not have Cliff Lee (or at least, the Cliff Lea of 2008).  In 2008, Ben Sheets was MIA for most of the second half.  He has been THE ace of his teams for the last two years.  His innings are an indicator of it.  In essence, people pointing at his playoff numbers are basically criticizing him for being a hard worker.  Only, he works so hard for his team, that he's completely and utterly exausted by October.  Give this man a solid rotation, and keep his innings slightly lower, and I guarantee you he will dominate in the playoffs.  And anyone who thinks he shrinks in the spotlight, I challenge you to find me a more impressive run then what CC did to end the season in Milwaukee.  His complete game against Chicago was probably one of the single best pitching performances in Brewers history - and that was his third straight start on three days rest.

4)  And just a quick few thoughts on the Brewers now.  This really could be a blessing in disguise.  I've made note of my concerns about giving such a large chunk of the payroll to CC - and now that Sabathia is gone, the Brewers are suddenly left with a massive amount of breathing room.  Again, just because Sheets and Sabathia will be gone, does not mean the Brewers staff is in shambles.  Gallardo and Parra are rising stars, and to be honest, I have never been more comfortable with Bush.  After a terrible start in April, he ended up going 9-7 the rest of the year, with an ERA around 3.8.  Not to mention, a 4-0 August with an ERA of 2.12.  He's definitely what you'd like to have at the back end of your rotation.  Hopefully the Crew can pick up one of the second tier free agents on the market.  We'll just have to wait and see...again.