Sabathia Steps Up Against the Sox Again
CC Sabathia did it again last night for the Yankees. In what has been his best season since 2012, Sabathia continues to put in solid performances in big games. CC is no longer the ace that the Yankees signed prior to the 2009 season. However, after struggling through a few seasons of deteriorating stuff and injuries Sabathia began to reinvent himself as a pitcher last season and had a respectable bounce back season.
This season he has pitched even better to the tune of an 11-5 record with a 3.71 ERA in 22 starts. CC no longer overpowers hitters with only 96 strikeouts in 121.1 innings pitched but he finds ways to get outs and limit damage. He has pitched a few clunkers and missed a few starts with minor ailments but he has certainly been a valuable commodity for the Yankees.
Sabathia's value to the Yankees has been most evident in his four starts against the division leading, rival Boston Red Sox this season. Last night's win was Sabathia's fourth in four starts against Boston. Not only has CC beaten the Sox four times this season, he has shut them down. Sabathia is 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 24 innings pitched in those four starts. CC, who admitted to getting extra fired up for starts against the Sox after last night's victory, has pitched like an ace this season against them.
Sabathia didn't have great control last night, walking five batters in six innings but he held the Sox to only four hits and most importantly just one run. He worked out of an early bases loaded jam in the first that set the tone for his solid performance when the team needed it most after getting swept by the Indians. The Yankees will need a few more solid starts down the stretch from Sabathia as they try to lock up a post season spot.
Coming into this season it looked like this would probably be Sabathia's swan song as a Yankee with his contract expiring. Many fans including myself were relieved to be finally getting his big contract off the books. However, if he continues to build on his 11-5 record and helps the team make the playoffs with a few more nice starts then I think the team will have to consider bringing the 37 year old veteran back for another season or two. This is something I never foresaw after CC's decline began a few seasons ago. However, it's something I'd do if CC still desires to pitch on a much cheaper contract. Raise your hand if this something you thought would be a serious consideration back in April. My hand is down.
This season he has pitched even better to the tune of an 11-5 record with a 3.71 ERA in 22 starts. CC no longer overpowers hitters with only 96 strikeouts in 121.1 innings pitched but he finds ways to get outs and limit damage. He has pitched a few clunkers and missed a few starts with minor ailments but he has certainly been a valuable commodity for the Yankees.
Sabathia's value to the Yankees has been most evident in his four starts against the division leading, rival Boston Red Sox this season. Last night's win was Sabathia's fourth in four starts against Boston. Not only has CC beaten the Sox four times this season, he has shut them down. Sabathia is 4-0 with a 1.13 ERA in 24 innings pitched in those four starts. CC, who admitted to getting extra fired up for starts against the Sox after last night's victory, has pitched like an ace this season against them.
Sabathia didn't have great control last night, walking five batters in six innings but he held the Sox to only four hits and most importantly just one run. He worked out of an early bases loaded jam in the first that set the tone for his solid performance when the team needed it most after getting swept by the Indians. The Yankees will need a few more solid starts down the stretch from Sabathia as they try to lock up a post season spot.
Coming into this season it looked like this would probably be Sabathia's swan song as a Yankee with his contract expiring. Many fans including myself were relieved to be finally getting his big contract off the books. However, if he continues to build on his 11-5 record and helps the team make the playoffs with a few more nice starts then I think the team will have to consider bringing the 37 year old veteran back for another season or two. This is something I never foresaw after CC's decline began a few seasons ago. However, it's something I'd do if CC still desires to pitch on a much cheaper contract. Raise your hand if this something you thought would be a serious consideration back in April. My hand is down.
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