CC Earning His Keep…And More
Call him CC or C.C. for now, with or without the periods, because come November Sabathia will go by $$. The hefty right-hander, one of the hotest pitchers in the league when Cleveland gave up on the season and traded him in June has disposed of the National League with amazing efficiency.
Since the trade Sabathia is 6-0 in 7 starts with 4 complete games, which lead the NL. He’s only pitched in 7 games and he leads the league in complete games, an unbeliveable stat in 2008. Teamed with Ben Sheets at the top of the rotation, Sabathia has elevated the Brew-Crew to favorites for the NL Wild Card, still with a shot at the Cubs in the division, in position for their first post-season appearance since 1982.
More impressively, with free agency pending this fall, CC has managed to keep his mouth shut, play hard, perform phenomanally, and essentially write his own check after the season. An amazing concept, keep quiet and play out your contract. Hear that Manny and Boras. Cleveland made a great decision because they have no chance to afford him now, neither will Milwaukee. No, Sabathia will end up with the Yankees, or Phillies, or some other team that decides to splurge for a Santana type deal because CC deserves it. He does something Sanatana doesn’t – finish games.
Sabathia is in line to post the most impressive stretch run of any player acquired in mid-season trade if he can keep up this pace. Another 6 starts like this and he may garner Cy Young consideration. He’s been that good. It’s so rare to see nowadays, an athlete not chirping about his contract, not making demands, just playing the game. This comes after turning down a contract last offseason and starting the season disastorously.
Can’t help but root for Sabathia and the Brew Crew, who can join Tampa to bring some much needed fresh blood to baseball’s playoffs, though Fox may not thank you.
