Yankees: Inside the Numbers, the Hall of Fame case for CC Sabathia

Sabathia’s prime years are the main reason why he belongs with some elite company. You also have to give the 38-year old credit for reinventing himself later in his career. He should and will be a Hall of Famer, but I think it will take a few years before he eventually gets inducted. It’s simply not going to be a one-and-done like Mariano Rivera this year and Derek Jeter in 2020.

When Sabathia gets inducted, it will certainly bring up a difficult subject among writers and historians. CC doesn’t belong on the same pedestal as legends like Nolan Ryan, Walter Johnson, Cy Young, Greg Maddux, and so forth.

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I believe he belongs on a list of players that are a tier below, with names such as Mike Mussina and Jack Morris. Phenomenal pitchers during their day, just never the top pitcher during their eras. But this will then start an argument of where do we draw the line? If Sabathia gets inducted, don’t former Yankees like Tommy John, Andy Pettitte, David Cone, and Jim Kaat all belong in upstate New York?

Sabathia getting inducting may start a trend of being too lenient or easy-going on players getting inducted, that Cooperstown isn’t as much of a sacred shine as it used to be. But this argument will only be answered with time and criticism.

Between his exceptional numbers, much-deserved awards and titles, his place amongst Hall of Famers, and his incredible prime, CC Sabathia belongs in Cooperstown.

It’s not a matter of if, but when.