Breaking News from long-time SU subscriber T. Potter. CC Sabathia is checking himself into an alcohol rehab program and is out for the balance of the season.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/mlb/3149/cc-sabathia
Well, that’s not good. He had actually moved up in the pecking order for post-season starts. Not looking good for the bombers.
Sports Update Intergalactic 
I’m curious about the timing… Obviously, health first, family first, blah blah blah. But he had 162 games this season and he “decides” now? Are there any rumors about a triggering event and why now?
He did have that night club incident but that was a couple months ago at this point.
I’m wondering if there might be some contractual element to this. Did he check in as soon as possible without taking a hit to his 2015 season salary?
I had also read about the night club incident up in Toronto. It sounded like he almost got into a fight and the guys he was with had to throw him into a taxi before it got further out of hand. I am not aware of any contractual issue. Perhaps something happened down in Baltimore over the weekend that didn’t make it into the press as of yet but was another bad situation? I agree the timing is odd. Had to be a trigger of some kind.
Wow- timing is stunning. Assuming by some chance they get past the wild card game, what do you do about the rotation? Warren back in and the bullpen thinner again? Yikes!
CC was going to be the lefty in the bullpen for the Wild Card game. Given Shreve’s total meltdown, if Warren is a starter, they really do not have anyone to pitch the 6th inning. And if a starter’s pitch count gets up there early in the game, they have no alternatives. The injury to Eovaldi really shows up now as a killer for them.
Do we really think this was alcohol rehab? I suspect it was junk food. I bet he’s addicted to Cap’n Crunch.
The timing makes no sense. These guys get paid too much money to not be there for their teammates/fans during the season and once the playoffs start. Hey, we all support those who realize they have an issue and need help, but this feels like a selfish act. Again, not discounting the seriousness of alcoholism if this is a legitimate issue, but I am sure this was evident in August.
I expect numerous offensive changes for the Yankees come next season.
Bright Spots are them finding a new second baseman in Rob Refsnyder who can hit pretty well as a righty where we are very weak in and Bird most likely the answer replacing an injury probe Tex. Sharing more of the catcher’s spotlight with Murphy is needed based on how poorly McCann hit in the 2nd half, Didi can only get better at hitting. Keep him. Relievers were really good but Betances was overused. DH hitter in Alex remains and Ackley coming off the bench looks good. Maybe trade him along with Ellsbury’s crisp 257 batting average for a top notch player.
Glaring weak spots – Age. Looking into Houston’s dugout overall they appeared to be in better shape and younger. They steal bases. I bet we were in the bottom quarter this season in stealing bases. It got Houston’s 3rd run. The bulk of our starters range from #3 th #5 Tanaka is a 1.5 starter at best. Serivino and Eovaldi are closer to #3’s We need a stopper at the #1 level.Maybe 2 of them and trade some of the others. They are all dispensable. I wish CC well but getting out from under his salary is a blessing.
3 hits and no runs says it all. Good pitching and lethargic hitting. Age showed its ugly head….. it just took longer than we expected it to.
Are you ready for the Knicks now. I say, take up a hobby or spend the winter cleaning out the attic, garage and filing cabinet. You’ll feel better.