The Yankees have been involved in rumors all offseason regarding their starting rotation, specifically in possible deals to bolster their rotation. What the Yankees would prefer, however, is that former ace CC Sabathia return to form.
It’s a fool’s errand to expect that Sabathia, at 35, will regain his Cy Young form. But it’s no stretch to expect him to be a solid No. 2 or No. 3 starter. It appears he’s on the right track this offseason; after leaving the Yankees on the eve of the American League Wildcard Round in October to deal with alcoholism, Sabathia said rehab has done wonders.
CC Knew He Had A Problem In 2012
"It’s always going to be a struggle with different things, but I feel fantastic," Sabathia said (via TMZ). "I think it’s just a weight coming off my shoulders. I feel good. I’m in a good mood, always."
Sabathia, who has said he knew he was an alcoholic since 2012, hasn’t been a top pitcher since the 2012 season. He posted a 4.37 ERA in 2013 and 2014, which may have had a lot to do with his battling alcoholism as well as injury. In 2015 he wasn’t much better, going 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA, but September was a ray of hope.
Sabathia Would Get More Sympathy For Torn ACL Than For Alcholism
In September Sabathia was 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA, and he went six innings or more in three of five starts. He likely would have been the Yankees’ Game 1 starter if Masahiro Tanaka had been able to pitch the Yankees past the Astros in the Wildcard game. If the Yankees have designs on reaching the postseason again, Sabathia will have to play a crucial role.
New York’s rotation is delicate, relying heavily on the weathered right elbow of Tanaka, Michael Pineda, who has never pitched more than 171 innings, and 21-year-old Luis Severino, who has 62 1/3 innings of MLB experience. A healthy, productive Sabathia not only serves as insurance for injury, but keeps the Yankees’ burgeoning farm system intact.
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