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New York Yankees Editorial: Have The Yankees Figured Out the CC Sabathia Recipe?

By Matt Curran

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Sunday, CC Sabathia went toe to toe with potential Cy Young candidate in Felix Hernandez. CC Sabathia was not able to get the win, but was able to give a quality start going six strong innings, and only allowing one run. Just before the break CC Sabathia gave another encouraging start. The Yankees have been able to adjust, and has made CC Sabathia a viable starting pitcher.

The main adjustment the Yankees have made with CC Sabathia is the amount of batters he face in a single game. When first acquired CC was the man who could give you nine and give the bullpen the day off. The problem is father time has caught up with CC, and he can no longer be that type of pitcher.

What the Yankees have done is not let the opposing lineup see him for a third time. Joe Girardi with that huge binder of data has figured out is the third time around the opposing lineup hits CC Sabathia very well. Now when Sabathia is turning that lineup over for a third time the Yankees are more careful, and the rope becomes very tight.

The other major note that is in Joe Girardi’s binder is CC Sabathia’s pitch count. After 85 pitches CC Sabathia  batting average against goes way up. CC Sabathia is not the same pitcher as when the Yankees first signed him. CC Sabathia can not go nine and throw 115 pitches anymore. CC is no longer the ace of the staff, but can be still be very effective. In CC Sabathia’s last start he barely went over 85 pitches, and was able to go six innings, so it can be down.

If CC Sabathia can pitch economically, and with the great bullpen the Yankees have, CC can help the Yankees in the second half. Sabathia may be paid as an ace, but he is no longer the Yankees ace, and that is okay.

He is a leader in the club house, and if he can continue to give quality starts he will help the Yankees in October, where all the Yankee starters do not have post-season experience, except CC Sabathia.

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