CC Sabathia and Waning Fastball Not Concerning Andy Pettitte

Former Yankee Andy Pettitte is confident that CC Sabathia will have a successful 2016 campaign with his diminished fastball that averages around 90-miles and hour. 

We are all aware of the struggles that Sabathia has had over the last few years, and Andy Pettitte has supported his former teammate, believing he could turn his career around despite the decreased velocity, much like Pettitte did in the latter part of his legendary career.

“I stood there and watched him too many times in the bullpen and the command he has,” Pettite said. “I was able to do that and I think he’s better than I was. So, yeah, I think he can.”

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In 2015, Sabathia was 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA but, like Pettitte, is encouraged by his last five starts when he went 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA.

Sabathia checked himself into an alcoholic-rehabilitation program prior to the Yankees’ Wild-Card game with the Houston Astros, which just adds the challenge of having to battle his alcohol problem to being on the back end of his career.

“I just want him to be successful, not only on the baseball field, but as a husband, a dad and in life,” Pettitte said. “I’m a big supporter of [Sabathia] and love him to death. I’m hoping he has a good bounce-back year and finishes up his career on a positive note.”

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Sabathia has been throwing off of a mound in New York and reported to Tampa today, and Pettitte looks to come down to camp and help out as much as he can this spring.