…the more they stay the same
April 5, 2008Wanted: Second Half Intensity
April 6, 2008Fresh of a Cy Young award-winning campaign, C.C. Sabathia arguably didn’t finish off last season as many would have hoped. Nearly all of spring training focused more on what the Indians and Sabathia would be doing in terms of a contract come next season, while we all fail to realize that we still have this season to endure.
Admittedly, I was actually unaware of what sort of spring numbers Sabathia put up from the mound, as I too was inundated with the “will he or won’t he” talks. But finishing the season on a strong note can only carry one so far when the supposed “Ace” is now 0-2 winless with an ERA of 7.59 through two starts.
By now, you’re likely aware that Sabathia fell a bit short once again as the Oakland A’s tagged him for four runs in only 5 and 1/3 innings. He’s already allowed three home runs and has walked an amazing seven batters – especially in comparison to the fact that he only walked 37 batters over the entire 2007 season. So, the question therein lies: What is wrong with C.C. Sabathia?
Sabathia himself says that his problem lies in his control. Erratic pitching raises pitch-counts, forcing early exits. It doesn’t take a Hall of Famer to tell you that. But what is causing this lack of control? Could it be in his mechanics? Did he go all Rick Ankiel on us? Until he skies a four-seamer straight to the back-stop, I think we’ll be okay in that area.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the fact that Sabathia is historically not very successful in Oakland, boasting a record of 1-3 with an ERA north of 7.00. However, it doesn’t help when yesterday’s game followed the home opener where he gave up two home runs to a guy that has one of the worst splits against left-handers in the league in Jim Thome. Those that are saying it is “easier to pitch” when the offense is working may want to take a look at the opener when the offense couldn’t have been any better.
I have no doubts that the big man will get his game together, it just may take some time. Look for Eric Wedge and Company to get a few bullpen sessions with Sabathia this week to make sure that it isn’t a mechanics issue. From there, we’ll see how he does when the Tribe faces the A’s at home late next week.
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12 Comments
u slightly mentioned it, but is it possible that the contract thing IS having an affect on him? he said he didn’t want to talk contract until the end of the year so he cold focus on the job at hand. well maybe, it’s taking his focus off pitching. just something to keep in mind, that’s all.
(not that it matters much, but i believe that he actually got a no decision in the season opener. it doesn’t change the point of the story at all, just wanted to mention it)
my only concern is if it IS a mental battle with himself, that he’ll start pressing even more to try to overcompensate for the rough start.
and thank you…you’re right, i’ll fix that!
Honestly, I think CC struggles when he’s too excited to pitch. I think his opening day struggles were a combination of living up to the Cy Young, the contract issues, and the fact it was opening day. The reason he struggles in Oakland is because it’s his hometown and he’s pitching in front of his family. I think CC will be fine once he gets back to just pitching regular less meaningful games.
However, if he’s thinking about the contract and trying to pitch himself into a huge contract, he might struggle all year. He needs to relax and just get back to pitching and not thinking.
He’s not a pitcher. He’s a thrower; a big dummy looking to get paid. He’s pre-occupied thinking about all the hohos he can buy with $120 million. He’s the love child of Bartolo Colon and Charlie Nagy.
You know Rock, what would we call a player that doesn’t play up to expectations in big situations? If that same player played in Chicago or Detroit we’d call him a choke artist.
This has been going on too long with CC. He needs to pitch well when the pressure is on, whether opening day, ‘back home’ or in the playoffs. I have to admit, I’m starting to walk the fence on if I want to see them spend the money it would take to keep him.
I’ve never thought of CC as a big game pitcher. But I still think he helps the Indians in the regular season, and they’re better with him than without him.
wow…sos a “thrower” won the cy young last year,,,imprressive.
Beckett deserved the Cy Young last year, even without the huge can of woop a$$ he opened up on the tribe in the ALCS.
Well, first of all, the ALCS is irrelevant in terms of the Cy Young award. The award is a regular season award, not a postseason award. Second of all, why do you think Beckett deserved the award? CC pitched more innings, had more complete games, more strikeouts, fewer walks, lower ERA. CC’s BB/K ratio was .177 compared to Beckett’s .206.
I mean, it’s obvious from the tone of your comments that you have some kind of bias against Sabathia, but come on dude….don’t let your bias get in the way of rational thought. What logical argument can you make for Beckett deserving the award over CC?
I realize the post season plays no roll in the Cy Young.
As for why I’m biased against him…
I’m tired of watching him get choke hard in big games.
It ticks me off that Cleveland will fail to trade him before he leaves via free agency.
I hate the way he wears his hat.
Sabathia is fat. He will eat himself put of the league just like Bartolo Colon. If you sign him, put a weight clause in his contract. Just imagine how he could pitch if he was not a pig. Does he even listen to the pitching coaches? If you can win 19 games being 40 pounds overweight imagine what would happen without 4 bowling balls around the stomach. Put down the burrito’s lard butt.
“Out of the League”.