The Brewers have just completed a deal with the Cleveland Indians for C.C. Sabathia, one of the best pitchers in baseball. He is the reigning Cy Young award winner, stands 6’7″ and weighs 290 pounds, and has an eye-popping 2.16 ERA since the end of April.
I have some reservations about the deal, though. Sabathia will be a free agent after the season ends, and he is well out of small-market Milwaukee’s price range. He’ll probably be in New York or Boston next year. He is basically a rental for half a season. But the Brewers want to win now, and think the deal will help their chances.
The Brewers, renowned for their farm system, are giving up three of their top prospects in return for Sabathia’s services. The only one confirmed at this point is Matt LaPorta, one of the best pure hitters in the minor leagues. As last year’s top draft pick, he’ll probably be ready to move up to the big leagues next year. He may even be a late-season call up this year.
The deal will be good for LaPorta, a first baseman and left fielder. The Brewers currently have Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun at those positions. Fielder hit 51 home runs last year. Braun was Rookie of the Year last year, and is starting in this year’s All-Star Game. They’re not going anywhere, so LaPorta is blocked. There is plenty of room for him in Cleveland.
Meanwhile, the Brewers haven’t made the playoffs in 26 years. Sabathia improves their chance to end the drought. The deal also lets Sabathia play for a winning team, something he is missing in Cleveland. The last-place Indians will get some good young players they can develop.
The loser is Milwaukee’s farm system. It looks deep enough to take the hit, but I worry; injuries happen. Hopefully those worries are unfounded.
Inertia Wins! 