2012 CC Sabathia performance thread

[flymick24]

He's been pitching great again this season, so it's not that much of an issue, but his velocity is still way down...I thought it would rise with the warmer months setting in, but summer is now almost over and he's still almost 2mph below his career average on his FB

Again, it's not a cause for concern yet given his performance, but at what point do we start feeding him boxes of captain crunch again between starts to get that body weight momentum up?

[ajra21]

He's been pitching great again this season, so it's not that much of an issue, but his velocity is still way down...I thought it would rise with the warmer months setting in, but summer is now almost over and he's still almost 2mph below his career average on his FB

Again, it's not a cause for concern yet given his performance, but at what point do we start feeding him boxes of captain crunch again between starts to get that body weight momentum up?

You're right, this is the first year of his career that his fastball hasn't averaged 93mph or above, currently standing at 92.3 which is 1.6mph lower than last year. And this shouldn't surprise us because, well, he's now 32 years old. Getting older doesn't help physical performance.

[35Knucklecurve]

A well placed FB is a very effective pitch - you don't necessarily have to blow people away with it. I guess between the weight loss and just getting older, CC could be expected to lose some velocity. As long as he's made the ajustments, I don't imagine I would be concerned. It could be a blessing in disguise in that it could prolong his career if he continues to evolve gradually.

[just-blaze]

This is a little bit concerning. You are the ace, but at this point Id rather see Kuroda or Hughes, and possibly Pettitte start over you in the playoffs.

[NYIndian2005]

Not an ace

[Mr.Muhozi]

Not an ace

Not this stupidity again.

[2JAY]

Not this stupidity again.

I couldn't agree more. To imply that CC is not the Ace of the Yankee staff, as well as in MLB, is just plain ignoring the facts. He has had a terrible game today, nothing more nothing less.

[awy]

fat man becomes skinny syndrome?

[Petey]

fat man becomes skinny syndrome?

Someone should alert CC that they now make cinnamon roll flavored Cap'n Crunch.

Totally serious. And it's awesome.

[dabomb2045]

His location this year has just been pretty crappy. He makes so many mistakes in the zone.

[Torre Must Go]

I'd put Martin with Sabathia next couple starts. See what happens

[hellonewman]

I'd put Martin with Sabathia next couple starts. See what happens

As I recall, CC wants Stewart. So that's not happening.

[NYYankeesFan92]

I am sick of watching this guy get beat like a drum every time he faces the Red Sox.

[Yankees1962]

Got to pitch better big guy, otherwise, the Yankees goose is cooked come playoff time.

[just-blaze]

As I recall, CC wants Stewart. So that's not happening.

Is this really true? Im thinking it might be Stewart too.

[-tz]

Got to pitch better big guy, otherwise, the Yankees goose is cooked come playoff time.

Fortunately, it is extremely doubtful that they will be facing the Red Sox in the playoffs.

[hellonewman]

Is this really true? Im thinking it might be Stewart too.

I'd like for someone to give me some specifics on exactly what Stewart is doing to make CC underperform to the point where a catcher switch is necessary.

Folks, CC is what you might call a "second-tier ace." His consistently above-3.00 ERAs prove that. He is durable, reliable, but not particularly dominating. He's a marvelous asset to any pitching staff but he can't breathe at the altitudes that guys like Verlander and Weaver live at. Yes, I know how much money he makes. Paychecks don't make you throw harder or run faster, though.

Solid bellwether #1 but there are several out there who are better. This is well established. Not sure how changing catchers is going to change this.

Again, unless someone can give some specifics on what Stewart is doing wrong.

[CalYankeeFan]

Fortunately, it is extremely doubtful that they will be facing the Red Sox in the playoffs.

Agreed. Based on the lastg week I'm more concerned about the A's.

[flymick24]

I miss the fat CC

[Don Mack]

This is a little bit concerning. You are the ace, but at this point Id rather see Kuroda or Hughes, and possibly Pettitte start over you in the playoffs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's exactly how I feel. I have little confidence in him at this point and no longer feel he is the Ace of the staff. Kuroda just has to get by the first inning and I think of him as the Ace of the staff. Sabathia has been too inconsistent and all that weight is going to take its toll on him sooner or later. After Kuroda, I'd prefer Pettitte then Hughes. David Phelps has looked mighty good in his last three outings.
Is there anyone still crying that we didn't get Cliff Lee? LOL! Or Roy Halladay who's been demoted to Intern Halladay. I love it when the Phillies lose.

[joela]

I agree with HelloNewman's description of C.C. as a Second Tier Ace. I see him as an Ace Grinder. He gives up a lot of hits, but usually not too many runs. Last night, Gonzalez put a serious hurt on him.

[MoVaughnEatsAlot]

Personally I've always viewed him as a Level 2b sub-ace grinder with 1a ace scrub potential. But at this point you just have to accept him for what he is, and unfortunately thats not a level 50 premium efficient ace

[indianyanksfan]

Just his third start from dl with 2 months to go get back on track.
I know he's having fb command issues since middle of last year but I think he's got tons left

[snapple]

If CC pitched in a different division or in the NL, he'd be dominant.

[ajra21]

If CC got to face the AL central or west in pitcher friendly parks as much as Weaver, Felix or Verlander did, his numbers would look far better.

Weav is a much different pitcher on the road and one player was recently quoted as saying that the only reason people struggle against him at home is because his hand comes out of a nasty background of rocks at Angels' Stadium. His home/road splits over the previous three years show a run and a half difference. Weaver's ERA in Fenway is over 7 and his NYS ERA is over 6. Now, this is only over four starts but it is hardly a glowing review.

Felix's road/road splits are much better and supports the notion that he's been one of the very best over the last few years. Verlander's splits also show a slightly more than a run in difference.

CC's splits are are pretty close (less than 0.2 different). Now I don't believe that CC is as good as either of these last two but he's left handed and in our stadium that is really important. These guys get to face more righties than he faces lefties and none of them have to worry about a short porch in such a relevant part of the park in which they regular
pitch.

My gut tells me that the pitchers I've listed above would throw up similar numbers if they had to face the AL east as much as he does in band boxes such as Fenway, NYS, Camden Yards and Toronto. Felix has stated that he doesn't want to pitch in New York and Weaver chose to stay in Southern California without even testing the market - they both know what they have.

CC's ERA against the Red Sox was in the low 4s prior to this year over 13 starts. Not great i know but given his personality/character and his ability to handle the pressure and work load in this town - I don't think anyone can sit here and complain about our "ace".