This might be a good time to unload my quadruples of Robin Yount's rookie card I have.
I've always liked the Brewers. Yount, Cecil Cooper, Ben Oglivie, Paul Molitor, Gorman Thomas. Those were some classic players a few years back. Hopefully for Milwaukee fans they capture the World Series title this year, because C.C. will be flooded by money from other teams next year. I fully expect the Mets and Yanks (throw in Boston, too) to go abolutely CRAZY bidding for his services (and the Mets to empty the vault for K-Rod, too).
Right- some writers say CC took risks pushing his body all during his time on the Brewers since he is universally seen as a "rent-a-player" (perhaps unfairly; Milwaukee isn't Selig's team anymore, so they might loosen the purse strings to keep him- they've actually got a good nucleus there and could be an Oakland-style small-market success story if they play things correctly), but those risks will pay off huge for Sabathia. He will be hands down the most desired free agent this off-season, with every team looking to improve their stock seeing Sabathia as the #1 anchor of their staff. He's a proven ace pitcher, innings eater, healthy, and willing to take the ball on any given day.
I'm not sure if Boston will be in the hunt; between Beckett, Lester, Dice-K, they already have 3 bona fide #1 or at least #2 type pitchers, and a 4th would be overkill; the Boston farm system is too deep to spend greatly on another pitcher no matter how good. They'd be better spending that money to retain their soon-to-be-very-expensive right-side of the infield in Pedroia and Youkilis. Those two guys, with Mauer's 0-3 today in the Twins' failed attempt to make the playoffs, might end up being the #1 and #2 MVP vote getters.
I agree, Hal. I don't really think C.C. would be a priority for Boston, but it just stands to reason that if the Yanks are pushing hard for the guy, I don't see Boston just sitting back and being a spectator. They'll be in the conversation, whether it's for real or just as a diversion.
I agree. If for no other reason than gamesmanship, one-upsmanship, or screw-you-ship. The Red Sox could certainly force the Yanks to pay even more for C.C. than he would've gotten already.
Probably the best thing that can happen to a player these days (financially, anyway) is to become the object of affection in a bidding war between Boston and New York.
Hal said this:
"but those risks will pay off huge for Sabathia."
I think that it is still a bit too early to tell on that. If he shows a lot of visible signs of wear and tear in the postseason due to this year, you may see teams back off him a bit. Guys who push so hard like this often fall apart soon after. I think he is more of a risk than many think.
Don't get me wrong; great pitcher no doubt, but i wonder if the strain he put on himself will become evident before his big payday.
Don't get me wrong; great pitcher no doubt, but i wonder if the strain he put on himself will become evident before his big payday
Highly doubtful. C.C is going to get his "big payday", don't get that twisted. Regardless if it's with the Angels, Yankees or any other big spender in the MLB, C.C. is going to be the most sought after free agent this offseason, besides Mark Teixeira.
BI,
This is from a review of tonight's game:
"Pitching on three days' rest for the fourth consecutive start, Sabathia had his worst outing since joining the Brewers in a trade with Cleveland on July 7.
The burly left-hander allowed five runs and six hits -- all for extra bases -- in 3 2/3 innings. He walked four, his second-highest total of the season."
I know that the article also says he'll be highly sought after in the offseason, but you can't argue with how what he's done this last couple months will take a toll long-term. Tonight's start may be a misnomer, but in the long run i think Sabathia's career will take a hit.
You're probably right about one thing; whether or not his longevity takes a hit, his pocketbook won't. My guess is the Yankees will land him after the Red Sox drive the price up for him, where his stuff will erode at a decent rate. And somewhere in the distance, Theo will be laughing.
