Sabathia: “You felt the responsibility to go out there”
Posted by: Chad Jennings - Posted in Misc on Jun 30, 2011 
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CC Sabathia pitched only three months with the Brewers.
He didn’t win a Cy Young or a World Series with the team, and he left for New York the following offseason, but in those three months Sabathia established a legitimate legacy in Milwaukee.
“I think I’ve had some pretty good stretches,” he said. “But not like that one.”
This afternoon, Sabathia will face the Brewers for the first time since he almost single-handedly carried the team into the playoffs in 2008. Traded from Cleveland in early July, Sabathia made 17 starts for Milwaukee that season. He pitched seven complete games, got 11 wins, had a 1.65 ERA and finished fifth in Cy Young voting despite spending half of the season in the American League.
He was heading toward free agency, but Sabathia made his final three starts on short rest, including a complete-game four-hitter in the final game of the season, which clinched a playoff spot.
“Sheets had gone down and got hurt, Yovani was still on the DL with the knee, so we really didn’t have anybody,” he said. “We were so close. Like I said, I felt so comfortable on that team that you felt the responsibility to go out there… I really didn’t want the season to end so I was trying to do whatever I can to try to keep us going as long as possible.”
Or, as Joe Girardi put it: “It was almost like he said, ‘Jump on my back, guys. Here we go.’”
It was a remarkable run while it was happening, and it’s hard to forget it three years later. Sabathia said his agent got mad at him in that final month. He didn’t want his client risking injury when free agency was only a few weeks away. Sabathia finally stopped answering his phone when his agent called.
“We probably didn’t even talk the last two weeks of the season,” Sabathia said. “I just stopped wanting to hear it.”
Associated Press photo
And then he pitched on short rest for the Yanks in the 09 playoffs. The guy is a beast.
I heart CC.
Chance for him to help put another game between us and Boston.
The Sux are facing Hamels.
3.5 sounds better than 2.5
Even if CC opts out whe’re gonna have to pay the pay the Man.
He’s been worth every penny and he anchors the rotation.
That stretch was ridiculous. He literally took his team on his back all by his lonesome – no wonder he was dog tired by the time the playoffs came around. CC is a rare breed indeed.
I still wouldn’t pay him if he opts out – adding another 3/4 years to his deal? No thank you.
Sabathia in 2008 reminded me of the ’64 Phillies rotation when Mauch had to go to a three man rotation over about a 2 week stretch, using Bunning, Bennett and Short in starts and relief. They just finally ran out of gas.
Betsy-
I think he will, and I think the Yankees will cough it up.
I don’t think they have a choice.
Maybe I am being too cynical.
I’d love to be wrong.
Let’s make a deal CC.
I will file the opt out papers, free of charge, for your teammate and friend Soriano if you don’t opt out.
Sound good?
GB-
I was at Bunning’s perfecto.
MTU, yeah they will
There is no reason not to resign Sabathia. There’s nothing coming up on the FA market that comes close…including CJ Wilson. If the Yanks need an initial pitcher, let the original initial man keep his job.
MTU, Bunning was a horse for a long time. he was a stud in Detroit until they stupidly traded him to Phillie. Big fastball, hard curve and harder slider.
Betsy,
I strongly believe if the yankees had Jesus Christ on the team, he would opt out and you’d be opposed to resign him as well….lol
)))
GB-
I was a young man at the stadium with my Father and Uncle. My poor Father was a Mets fan.
Of course it was the best pithing performance I ever saw live.
It’s almost like hitting lotto seeing one of those.
Bunning turned out to be quite an excellent Senator too.
JoeAuriemmaYES Preparation of the field for a day game: http://lockerz.com/s/115585954
I think the Yankees need another pitcher w/ a catchy nickname like Gator or Catfish
A good game all the way around last night. I am so happy that Swish and Po are heating up, and that Martin got the HR. The pitchers seem to love his game calling.
Interesting note about the Yanks being in first place at the end of June. Only three times were they in that position and didn’t make the post season….’35, ’73, and ’87.
sp: pitching not pithing. Although Bunning was definitely pithy.
MTU, Bunning was huge is getting the player’s union connected with Marvin Miller, too. Bunning remindeds me of how jack Morris was on the mound. I think he was just the second pitcher to have no hitters in both leagues. Quite a pitcher for some really bad Tiger teams in the late ’50s. Mantle used to crush him though. Always a good day when that happened…at least for me. I lived in the heart of Tiger Country.
GB-
I’ve got to get ready to hit the trail soon.
Thanks for that background. I did not know that.
Enjoy the game. Hope CC comes thru.
upstate kate June 30th, 2011 at 8:46 am
I think the Yankees need another pitcher w/ a catchy nickname like Gator or Catfish
———————————————————————————————————————-
GatCat…Gatfish…Cator….nah, it just doesn’t sing.
We could start by calling Burnett “Mountain Dew” and Gardner “White Lightning”.
If Brackman ever gets straight, “Lil Abner”.
MTU-
This is you in your entry on You Tube. I didn’t know you’re originally from NY.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkpylTgPjqY
CC wont opt out…..they’ll work out a 2-3 year extension and announce that instead of that he’s opting out. They gave him the clause and now they have to pay up for it…..and you know what it was worth it and they would probably do it again given the chance.
I think it is almost certain the Yankees will reach an extension agreement with CC before or after he opts out. He loves it here and has had success. Not too many people of sound mind will not seek an additional two years and $45-50 million. It seems pretty simple to me because as GB points out their are no no. 1 starter alternatives.
Baseball just doesn’t have the great nicknames anymore, like “Babydoll” Jacobson, The Hoosier Thunderbolt, Big Six, Big Train, “Piano Legs” Hickman or Mike Epstein “The Hebrew Hammer”.
Box score from Bunning’s Father’s Day perfect game against the Mets.
http://www.baseball-almanac.co.....1964.shtml
austinmac-I agree. I don’t think CC is going anywhere.
GreenBeret7 June 30th, 2011 at 9:02 am
?Piano Legs? Hickman
********************
Love this one.
I’d be surprised if something reasonable didn’t get done with CC. The Yanks surely appreciate what a special player he is — how right they were to wait for him rather than giving the store away for Santana! On the other side, I don’t think there are any teams that have the $$ ability to extend his contract. The Dodgers are broke, the Phillies have 3 expensive aces plus Hamels, and the Sox have to pay Beckett, Dice-K, et al., not to mention JD Drew. We’re in a depression right now, and not many franchises have access to the kind of $$ CC is making under his current contract.
GB-
Full list of mlb nicknames. click on NYY nicknames but before you do do you know these?
Tugboat
Whiskey Slick
The Chairman of the Board
Fat Toad
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L....._Nicknames
GB – you’re just partial to those Detroit players…..
Trader – those are easy.
YT-
Thanks for the video.
NY born and bred. Grew up a few blocks from Ebbets field.
Used to drive a cab too.
If CC wants more than 1 year tacked on let him test the market
YankeesPR FREE skin checks and sunscreen from La Roche-Posay today at Yankee Stadium on the Main Level before first pitch http://t.co/cngBrMr
Erin-
What are they using -total body scanners?
Joe- try thes NYY nicknames-from your era??
Schoolboy
The Clutch
Sub
Long Bob
The Big Cat
Had to laugh at The Usuals last night, talking about how much better Mitre was than Ayala. Usung their own little numbers to prove points, he’s at 278+ ERA. He’s been good against lefties. Someone asked about him allowing inherited runners to score. 2 of 13 have scored. I don’t care what inning, whether high leverage, low leverage or no leverage, he’s done the job that he was brought in to do. As to the notion that he can’t keep it up because he never has…exactly when has Mitre ever “kept it up”? I don;t care that they brought Mitre back for Carlyle, but, no reason to trash whaty Ayala has done. He’s done his job. Of all of the “minor deals” that Cashman has pulled off since the end of 2010, the only one that might be considered a failure was Jones, and even he had a big hand in two wins.
Trader, I do know them, though “Whiskey Slick” was pretty interchangable with Ford and Mantle.
Always loved Don Larson’s nickname…”The Night Rider”.
Erin
In addition to ESPN, Alex did a junket of “Wake Up Omaha” type shows yesterday morning for DirectTV and at least one ignored the no personal questions request.
http://www.azfamily.com/sports.....um=twitter
CC pitched his butt off for the Brewers. That last game against the Cubs was a classic. A complete game on short rest. I remember Mussina was winning his 20th up at Fenway at the same time.
IIRC the Mets got eliminated that day as well.
‘Even if CC opts out whe’re gonna have to pay the Man’.
===============
Pay ‘THE MAN’, he’s worth it. Yes, siree.
Had to laugh at The Usuals last night, talking about how much better Mitre was than Ayala
——
That was not even remotely the topic of conversation.
pat- LOL thanks for the link!!
I must say, Alex is looking good in that clip.
That was exactly the topic of conversation. Makes no difference because your reasons are bogus.
Bronx Jeers June 30th, 2011 at 9:22 am
CC pitched his butt off for the Brewers. That last game against the Cubs was a classic. A complete game on short rest. I remember Mussina was winning his 20th up at Fenway at the same time.
**************************
I remember that day-I was at the Cell watching the WS beat the Indians and my brother and I had to keep checking to see how Moose was doing. LOL
Always loved Don Larson’s nickname…”The Night Rider”.
————————-
GB- was that nickname for his forays in the night with his drinking pals?
Did you get these that I posted afterward?
Schoolboy
The Clutch
Sub
Long Bob
The Big Cat
Last thing I’ll say this AM before I run.
Q: What do CC and Boomer have in common aside from being very good lefties ?
A: Their arms are both made from the same batch of Goodyear rubber.
teixeiramark25 This is an impressive throw, but notice how it almost hit Miggy! http://fb.me/Zg7YXBUa
Thoughts:
1. Sabathia will opt out and will be resigned to a deal likely along the lines of the one Cliff Lee just signed in Philly
2. That will not and should not prevent the Yankees from also signing CJ Wilson
3. For those with Sergio Mitre angst (and judging from last night there are more than a few of you) I will be shocked if he’s with the team by the All Star break. In fact with Colon due back on Saturday he might not even last the weekend. The question is whether it will be he or Gordon who goes.
That was exactly the topic of conversation. Makes no difference because your reasons are bogus.
——-
http://www.readingfordummies.com/blog/
Chip-
I hope your right on CJ Wislon !
MTU-
Q: What do CC and Boomer have in common aside from being very good lefties ?
A: Their arms are both made from the same batch of Goodyear rubber.
—————————
And that’s why an extension will be signed this offseason by CC as Wells won 15 games at the age 42 and pitched 2 more years after that!
Trder, not sure who hung “Night Rider” on Larson, but, yeah it was for his night activities. They had curfews back then and Larson came dragging in around 4:30 AM and was met by Casey and some writers. Stengel asked where the Hell he had been. Larson said that he went out to mail a letter. Stengel said that he couldn’t fine anybody that could think that fast while drunk. He said that he was known to have a late night drink or two when he played.
I know “Schoolboy” Rowe, “Preacher” Rowe, Johnny Mize “The Big Cat”, Harry “The Cat” Brecheen. Not sure of the other three.
I like that it’s referred to as “The Cell”
Ozzie must be the head inmate.
Boomer was snapping off some pretty good curves last Sunday. At one point Bernie gave him a look as if to say “WTF?”
DRob30 Excited for the event tonight. @CC_Sabathia, @russellmartin55 and Boone are joining me and @NickSwisher! highsocksforhope.com/events
Waite Hoyt also nicknamed Schoolboy
Tommy Henrich-The Clutch
Carl Mays-Sub
Bob Meusel-Long Bob
I looked these up from the wiki site I posted. We’re not old enough to remember watching these players!!
Trader, do you remember who “The Mummy” or the last player known as “Deacon” are?
GB7 please show where anyone said Mitre was better than Ayala. tia.
Wilson would be a great grab for the Yanks. He will prob ask for 5 years and I would prefer a 3 year deal. Does 4 years at 48 million get it done?
Last comment before I have to go.
Will Hughes be pitching Monday in Moosic, PA for AAA against the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs[what an embarrasing name] or will he be traveling to Cleveland to make an appearance against the Indians??
have a great day and hope the Yankees expand their major league best record in day games and against lefty starters!!!
Wilson would be a great grab for the Yanks. He will prob ask for 5 years and I would prefer a 3 year deal. Does 4 years at 48 million get it done?
_________
CJ will ask for no less than AJ’s contract
Trader, here’s a hint. Both pitched in the ’60 WS.
I saw that Theo said the Sox would be active in trade talks.
1. What do they have to trade?
2. What happened to the super-team of the century they built in the offseason, that was going to go 162-0 and get fitted for their rings in june?
Bronx Jeers June 30th, 2011 at 9:38 am
I like that it?s referred to as ?The Cell?
Ozzie must be the head inmate.
***********************
No doubt Ozzie is the head inmate.
CJ will ask for no less than AJ?s contract
—-
UGHHHH. …. that s–cks ….
The Mummy was Jim Coates. I know you liked him, but I remember him coming into relieve letting all inherited runners on base to score and getting the win when he went 11-5[I think that was when].
I’ll pick up your response later.
Cashman on the search for pitching:
http://mobile.newsday.com/inf/.....=1.2995063
“Mummy” was indeed Coates. Got the name because he was tall and skinny and slept with his eyes open. Edna Stengel once woke Casey up on a team train ride (Coates was sleeping in the seat across from her) and , whispered, “Dear, wake up. I think one of your players is dead.” Mantle and Gord, sitting begind her were rolling in the aisles.
The Deacon was Vernon Law.
Wilson has been a starter for only 2 years. Burnett was pitching for much longer then that and had much better pure stuff then Wilson
ac1
I think both the red sox and phillies were prejected to go 162-0
given that they played each other idk how thts possible, but hey when the media loves u i guess ne thing is possible…
Michael Kay was saying yesterday what I have been thinking for a while. Everyone always talks about how the NL owners would never accept the DH but Selig doesn’t need their permission. He can just use the best interests of baseball clause to do it. So why is he never pressed into doing this? What other sport has different rules for different leagues?
GreenBeret7 June 30th, 2011 at 9:19 am
Very astute.
I’m not saying it’s right…but he’s basically been the ace of the texas staff for all but 2 months of the last two seasons. I don’t have the numbers, but any pitcher who’s been successful pitching home games in arlington has gotta be solid.
And he’s a lefty.
What I find amusing is that since the Yankees regained 1st place in the AL, the story line is now “yeah but they can’t beat the red sox”. And the payroll always is worked in, but rarely the fact that 11 players are on the DL, unless it can be combined w/ the payroll.
It is all good, I like the Yankees being regarded as the underdog…well as underdog as you can be when you are the best team in the AL!
The poor Rays are 3rd in the AL east, w/ a better record than the 1st place teams in the central and west.
Tommy Henrich was “Old Reliable”
The DH would have to be part of a new CBA with the players… Selig cannot do it unilaterally
Kay mistaken? Shocking!
The only way I could see the players agreeing to it would be by expanding rosters to say 27. 60 new jobs is worth phasing out the DH.
Woudl probably need to do it over a 3 or 4 year period to protect some current players and prepare minor league pitchers.
I’d laugh pretty hard if/when the Sox get leapfrogged by the Rays into the playoffs. Of course, the comparisons in the Boston papers to the ’27 Yankees probably won’t stop
86w183,
I didn’t say to phase it out I said to make the NL add the DH.Selig putting it in has nothing to do with the CBA. Those are 2 seperate issues. You deal with the CBA when it expires. The players would love it because it adds more jobs for them
Peter Gammons of Pravda fame said this about the Sox and the trade deadline:
“MLB Network analyst Peter Gammons reported yesterday that the Red Sox don’t have financial flexibility and he explained Boston’s predicament in further detail today on WEEI’s Mut & Merloni Show. “They’re not getting Carlos Beltran,” Gammons said. “They’re not getting Michael Cuddyer.” Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com has highlights of Gammons’ conversation.”
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/.....lwood.html
funny how the red sox nation works…
first, dog the yankees farm system, which produced mo, jeter, cano, pettie, posada, gardner roberston, joba, all from ‘low end’ picks bc they are always in the playoffs
then they dog the yanks for tradin there young players, even tho the soc traded a boatload of talent for beckett and then ernie from the george lopez show
then dog the yankees pay roll even tho they paid over 100 mil for dice-gay andover paid for crawford and jd drew and lackey and even tho ernie from the gearge lopez show is not overpaid cause hes an awsome player, they paid out the ass for him…
but thats the price for being the best franchise in the best sport in the world, in my opinion
An interesting article from John Sickles about the media and fan treatment of Dayton Moore and Joe Mauer, though, it certainly could apply to other team fans and media of teams like NYYs.
http://www.minorleagueball.com.....-minnesota
He can’t add or delete the DH without the players agreement
I agree that there should be one set of rules. It would be like the AFC having 12 men on a side and the NFC having 11.
I don’t want the DH in both leagues. I want the damn thing thrown out. That’s why I suggested a phase out.
BloggingBombers No A-Rod in the lineup today.
BloggingBombers Granderson also gets the day off.
So Hughes and Colon come back and the rotation looks like this:
CC
Colon
AJ
Hughes
Nova
Pen
Mo
DRob
Ayala
Logan
Wade
Garcia
That leaves Gordon. Noesi and Mitre. Do we carry 11 or 12 on the staff ? Noesi goes to SWB to be a SP the other 2 go where ? Then when ‘Sorry Soriano’ returns who goes barring an injury before then ? Wade ?
what??? doesn’t Girardi want to win this game?
there, fixed
New Post w/lineup
Ouch.. Erin, that looks like a short line-up or a deep bench.
86w183,
needing the players approvals is in direct contradiction of the best interests in baseball clause.
Every other league in pro sports except for 1 league in Japan uses the DH
You have to bring back CC is he opts out. He’s an integral part of this team and one of it’s leaders now and in the future. The way we all loved how Andy mentored the younger guys the past few years, CC will have that role in the future. Not to mention he attracts free agents who aren’t just purely chasing dollars.
I agree with blake that the Yankees will be proactive when the season ends and just offer up an extension in lieu of opting out so he never has to say those words.
As for the Red Sox, as much as I hate them, I find it incredibly impressive that an All Star 1b and MVP candidate in Gonzalez took one for the team yesterday and walked out to RF to play to help his team get another bat in the lineup. I don’t know what they put in the water up there but they convince those guys to do things like that something many teams, including the Yankees, would never do. That would be akin to asking Tex to go play some 3b so the Yankees could sign Pujols or Fielder because they felt they needed more offense and wanted a rotation of 1b/3b/DH with one of those guys, Tex and Arod.
I’m actually very impressed that the Red Sox are able to get stars like Gonzalez and Youkilis change positions to help the team without fanfare or angst.