CC Sabathia began the 2008 campaign as a member of the Cleveland Indians. Sabathia started the season slowly posting a 1-4 record with a 7.76 ERA through the end of April. Sabathia rebounded in May and June finishing 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 18 starts while in the AL. Then on July 8, 2008 the Brewers made a blockbuster deal by acquiring Sabathia.
Once in the NL, Sabathia dominated. Sabathia posted an 11-2 record with a 1.65 ERA in 17 starts in the Senior Circuit. Combined, Sabathia went 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA in 35 starts.
Why Sabathia Will Win
To fully appreciate Sabathia’s 2008 season, both his NL totals and his combined AL and NL totals should be looked at.
Sabathia’s combined stats are a testament to his great durability. His 35 total games started and his 253 IP were both tops in the Majors. Sabathia’s 10 complete games also led Major League Baseball.
Sabathia’s NL numbers clearly indicate how dominant he was. Of his 17 starts in the NL, Sabathia went the distance seven times, including three shutouts. More impressive is the fact that Sabathia pitched his last four starts of the regular season on a short, three days rest. Sabathia’s starts down the stretch helped catapult the Brewers into the playoffs.
Sabathia’s greatest argument is the fact that he carried the Brewers on his back for the second half of the season. When the Brewers lost Ben Sheets, Sabathia stepped up and pitched on short rest. Not only did Sabithia pitch, he pitched extremely well. Additionally, it may be argued that Sabathia was the most valuable pitcher to his team. Webb, Lincecum, and Santana all performed extremely well, but none of their teams made it to the playoffs. The Brewers made it to the playoffs with Sabathia, and most experts agree that the Brewers would not have clinched a playoff birth without CC Sabathia.
Why Sabathia Won’t Win
The greatest argument against CC Sabathia is the fact that he didn’t spend the entire season in the NL. The voters are supposed to base their votes solely on statistics put up in the NL. If they do vote solely on Sabathia’s NL numbers, it will be extremely difficult for voters to vote for Sabathia. Webb, Santana, and Lincecum all spent the entire season in the NL, and they all pitched extremely well. Sabathia only had 17 starts in the NL, while the other three candidates all had 34 starts in the NL. The fact that Sabathia spent half of his season in the AL will definitely hurt his Cy Young chances.
Chances Sabathia Will Win
Sabathia is the least likely to win of the four. Though he was dominant for the second half of the season, he spent half of the season in the AL, and was not nearly as dominant there. Lincecum and Santana dominated NL hitters all season, and Webb led the NL in victories. Sabathia does have a chance to win the award, but it is highly unlikely given the fact that there are three other viable candidates who spent the whole season in the NL.
Up Next
In part three of this series, New York Mets ace Johan Santana will have his season reviewed and his Cy Young chances examined.
