Cee...Cee...See Ya' Later!

We haven’t been motivated to post about the Sabathia trade because we don’t think there’s much to say about it that we and others haven’t already said.

Yeah, it’s great that the Indians got something for the big fella rather than see him walk for nothing like Belle, Manny, and Thome did. And they appear to have done well to get the seventh overall pick from the 2007 draft, Brewers top prospect Matt LaPorta, who looks like he can mash.

But the situations with Belle, Manny, and Thome were all different. The Tribe was either contending, and didn’t want to give the guys up for the stretch run, and/or had other reasons to think they would stay. C.C. gave no indication that he would stay. We suppose this is a little sad, and it has us thinking about things like loyalty, and a salary cap.


But -- and despite the fact that he was throwing at a tiny tiny strike zone against the Red Sox -- we’re also thinking of Cy-Cy’s 8.80 ERA in last year’s playoffs and wondering if he has the mental toughness to get it done when it counts the most. We’re also thinking that Sabathia’s physique doesn’t exactly call the phrase “world class athlete” to mind, and whatever implications that might have on his mental toughness, it certainly calls his durability into question.

The trade is also nice for Tribe GM Mark Shapiro because it has everyone talking about the time when Shapiro traded Bartolo Colon for three young All-Stars (and one superstud) to be, Grady Sizemore, Cliff Lee, and the since departed Brandon Phillips. Good job there Mark, yes, but not enough to get you out from under the Curse of Wahoo. This one won't be either.

But speaking of getting out from under The Curse, we have to be happy for the big fella on that point. What could be better than going from Wahoo to Bernie Brewer? So cheers to C.C. -- all the best to ya' Big Fella. Better bring us a couple, Bernie B. We're prone to spillin' that first one.