It is the topic that has not gone away since last season. The question that the Yankee universe ponders after every 5th day....What is wrong with C.C. Sabathia? Since putting up the worst numbers of his 13 year career in 2013, it has not gotten much better. It is hard to believe that many fans are pressing the panic button with a pitcher of his caliber, but with a earned run average of over 5 in 8 starts, it is safe to say the doubts in the fans minds are legitimately supported. Sabathia first came to the Bronx with a wall of fire behind him, he was arguably the best pitcher in the game and the prized possession of free agency. The Yankees showered him with a very substantial contract and the return on their investment was nearly instantaneous. He posted 3 consecutive 19+ win seasons, finished second in the voting for the Cy Young Award in 2010 and helped the team capture a 27th world championship. Sabathia was everything the Yankees had hoped he would be and then some. Many believed his continued success would allow him make a run at the 300 win club. However, those sentiments are now a distant memory as fans, analysts, and the New York media are bombarding the beleaguered and deteriorating star pitcher.
This has happened to the Yankees before with several pitcher they counted on to be good. The likes of Javier Vasquez, A.J. Burnett, Ian Kennedy, Randy Johnson, and most recently Phil Hughes all heard many high praises for their ability, only to see that ability wilt away with for seemingly no reason at all. While many blame them for not having the toughness to handle the big lights of the greatest city, Blame can also be placed on the organization itself. A few of the aforementioned pitchers got much better as soon as they left New York. Many say it was because the heavy weight of the pinstripes was lifted off of them. Others say subtle changes in their pitching mechanics missed by the Yankees coaching staff attributed to this rise in success. Unfortunately for the Yankees these outlooks became fact with both Burnett and Kennedy. Each of whom posted better numbers with new teams than they had with the Yankees. Sabathia still has time left to salvage what could become two lost seasons. However, to get their he will need to get back the belief that he is still an effective pitcher and he cannot do it alone. The team must not allow his problems to fester like all of the others. after all the do have $23 million invested in him over the next 3 year and it would be a shame to see that kind of money yet again go to waste.
