Yankees Editorial: Yankees Trade Value 40-36

Feb 21, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) throws a bullpen session during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

38. P CC Sabathia

If you had said after the 2009 World Series title, that A-Rod and CC would be two of the Yankees LEAST valuable trade chips a few years down the road, you would be looked at like you were nuts.  Alas, the day before spring training games start, that’s where we are at.

Why is here? Well let’s see.

Degenerative knee condition? Check

Declining velocity? Check

$48 million coming to him plus a vesting option for 2017? That’s three.

CC is going to be pitching with a knee brace this season. They are going to be lucky if CC can make it through the season pitching on his knee. Right now he’s healthy, however, how long will that last?

What about his velocity? His fastball averaged 88 MPH last season. On a healthy knee and with adding more weight, can he get to 90? Can he learn how to pitch more like Tom Glavine, and not like Stephen Strasburg? That’ll be the key if the Yankees can salvage anything from him.