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Yankees Starter CC Sabathia is pitching on borrowed time

By Robert Husby

Apr 28, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) watches from the dugout after being removed from the game during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) watches from the dugout after being removed from the game during the sixth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Yankees’ starter CC Sabathia looked like he was turning his career around with an impressive first win. Since he’s gone 2-2 over seven starts and has a 5.77 ERA.

CC Sabathia is becoming a glaring sore on the Yankees success so far this season. He’s had one start, his very first of the season, where he’s looked good. He’s probably the biggest issue on the team right now that needs to be addressed accordingly.

At 36, he looks like he just doesn’t have it anymore. It’s even a contract year where he should be trying just a bit more. Tanaka turned around his few bad starts and has pitched much better. He continues to pitch horribly and continues to cost them wins early.

Sabathia has to be on a short leash now with Joe Girardi. He can’t be given too many more starts where he puts the Yankees at a loss in the early innings. But, they also have no one to take his spot which allows CC to keep getting starts.

The Replacement Issue

Unfortunately for the Yankees, they don’t have a lot of options to replace Sabathia as a starter. You don’t want to convert your relievers, such as Adam Warren, to starting pitchers. They don’t have any standout pitching prospects either that can make the rotation with James Kaprielian out.

Chance Adams has been a name tossed around. The problem with him is he’s the only plater in Double-A, and it would be a significant jump in competition if he’s called up. You don’t want to break this kid’s confidence just because you’re out of options, barring a trade. Adams just got promoted to Triple-A, so the Yankees will be watching how he fares in his starts.

You Have to Make A Trade

If the Yankees’ organization believes this team is a contending team, they have to make a deal. If Sabathia indeed costs the team much-needed wins, he has to go. With how bad he and his contract are, you’re not getting rid of him even though he’s in the last year of his deal. But, you can bury him on the roster or put him in the bullpen if you get someone to replace him.

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The pitcher I’d like most is a rumor that has been catching steam as of late. Pirates’ starter Gerrit Cole. He was drafted out of high school by the Yankees back in 2008, but he opted to go to UCLA instead. Cole was then selected by the Pirates 3 years later in the 2011 draft.

He’s always been a fairly good pitcher, but he’s had some arm trouble that may cause worry. Still, Cole is only 26, and he’s a much better #2 than Sabathia is. Even though he’s only 1-4 and has a 3.06 ERA over eight games, it’s mainly because his team is terrible.

Needless to say, the Pirates will be looking to make a deal. The Yankees would be wise to try and partner with them to get Cole by the deadline. If he doesn’t cost you Torres, Kaprielian, or Frazier, make the move.

Yes, you may have to trade away some good prospects, but if your eyes are set on contention, it’s worth it.  He’s not a UFA until 2020, and he’s still in the prime ages of his career. He’s a better and cheaper option than Jose Quintana, who’s been pretty bad this year thus far. And he’s probably a better option than Sonny Gray who’s going to carry quite a price tag with him in a trade.

Rounding Up Thoughts

CC Sabathia has shown he can’t be relied on anymore to get you wins. Yankees should clearly not re-sign him at season’s end, nor should most other teams. One or two good performances won’t be enough if he wants to earn trust back from the fans he has to pitch great going into the deadline.

That’s when the Yankees for sure will know who the real CC Sabathia is and if they need to replace him or not. Regardless, the Yankees as contenders need to get a real #2 starter that will get them wins during the rest of the season and in the playoffs should they make them.

They can’t simply sit around hoping he returns to his glory days, because they’re going to be waiting a long time with nothing to show for it.

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