Via Jack Curry -
In acquiring Sabathia, the Brewers beat out the Phillies, another team that was willing to make the trade without requiring a window to negotiate a possible contract extension. The Yankees had discussions with the Indians, but were unwilling to make a deal unless they could sign Sabathia beyond 2008. The Yankees will probably be serious players in trying to sign him when he becomes a free agent after the season.
Personally, I think it would be a mistake to chase Sabathia as a free agent.
The guy is 28-years old and weighs a reported 290 pounds. So, he’s probably closer to 300 pounds now than he is at anything else. You think his eating and conditioning is going to get better – after he signs a multi-year, mega-million dollar, contract? No way. He’ll be close to 325 pounds before his 30th birthday. And, after thirty? He’ll be too big to be counted on…of this, I have little doubt. Please, Yankees, pass. As crazy as it sounds, because you need starting pitching, I hope the Yankees do not chase this guy as a free agent.
8 Responses to “Yanks Were In Sabathia Chase”
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July 7th, 2008 at 11:23 pm
I agree.
I expect Sabathia to have a very short prime and decline very quickly.
July 8th, 2008 at 2:10 am
Preaching to the choir.
$126+ million contracts to pitchers are a mistake. Barry Zito told me so.
Will Hankenstein listen?
July 8th, 2008 at 6:21 am
2 words:
David Wells.
July 8th, 2008 at 7:44 am
At his worst, Wells, at 6′3″, was probably 270-280 pounds. Granted, CC is, IIRC, 6′ 7″ – however, when you’re talking 300…325 pounds…that’s a big difference from when Wells was fat. It’s too big, at 300+, to go out there, throw 120 pitches per game, and stay healthy.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:30 am
But there is no way to say that CC will allow himself to get to 325. That is unless there have been reports of his bad dietary habits that I am unaware of.
The main thing that I see with CC is that he carries his weight very well. Some bigger pitchers can hardly move and the walk like a duck.
CC on the other hand moves very well and when you watch him pitch, he looks very much in proportion to his height. Unlike Colon for example.
CC like someone on the other scale of the size debate ( Pedro Martinez ) are just rare breeds, IMO.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:17 am
~~That is unless there have been reports of his bad dietary habits that I am unaware of.~~
Have you seen the gut that this guy is lugging around now, as a 28 year old? If that’s not a big enough clue, then I can’t help you on this one.
July 8th, 2008 at 10:51 am
I don’t think Barry Zito minds that he’s pulling down $126+ million.
Anyway, regarding Sabathia, I think too much is being made of his weight. Having said that, I wouldn’t sign him to the premium contract that he may get this offseason, mainly for the same suspicions Lee has; a short peak, followed by a rapid decline.
July 8th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
The gut isnt that big, Steve. Sometimes it looks big but a lot of the time he just looks well built.
When he pitches the Brewers to the Series, you’ll change your mind