New York Yankees 2013 Recap: CC Sabathia

The questions for the 2013 season for New York Yankees ace CC Sabathia started soon after the 2012 season ended.  Sabathia had surgery right after the season ended on his left elbow to remove a bone spur. Sabathia also lost weight thanks to a diet change. The results in 2013 left something to be desired for both Sabathia and the Yankees. Before we look ahead to 2014, let’s look back at Sabathia’s 2013 campaign.

Sep 20, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Stats: 14-13 4.78 ERA. 224 hits in 211 innings. He led the league in earned runs with 112. He walked 65 and struck out 175 batters. He had a WHIP of 1.37. He had a WAR of just 2.7 according to Fangraphs. He had a BABIP of .308 against him in 2013.

2013 Game Of The Year: I’m going with CC’s performance on April 12th in Baltimore against the Orioles.  In the Yankees 2-1 over the O’s, CC went eight innings, gave up two runs with only one of them earned, eight hits and struck out eight.

2014 Outlook: This is a bit tricky. CC is going into his age 33 season, and will turn 34 years of age on July 21. There is some question as to whether he lost too much weight in the off-season but he wanted to get into better shape to help him live longer, which is certainly understandable.

Sabathia’s velocity was down, and he finished the season on the disabled list with an injured hamstring.  Sabathia is signed until 2016 and has a vesting option for 2017, when he will be 36, that triggers if he doesn’t hurt his left arm in 2016. The question is was 2013 a blip or the beginning of the downturn for Sabathia.