New York Yankees CC Sabathia Building Hall of Fame Case
By David Hill
Early in his career, CC Sabathia appeared to be a potential Hall of Famer. After a few rough seasons, the New York Yankees pitcher is building a case for induction once again.
On Tuesday night, New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia struck out Chris Gimenez to end the top of the second inning, he added to his place in baseball history. Gimenez became his 2833rd career strikeout, moving him into third place all time amongst lefty pitchers, passing Tigers great Mickey Lolich. Only Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton remain ahead of the large lefty on the strikeout list, although their lead is likely to be safe.
It is another impressive milestone for Sabathia. Although he may not be the pitcher he had been in his early days, Sabathia has become a solid innings eater, a solid starter despite his advancing age. This season has been a renaissance for the Yankees starter, as he had an 11-5 record with a 3.85 ERA and a 1.305 WHiP heading into last night’s contest, his best performance since 2012.
That strikeout also brings up another interesting debate for Sabathia. With his lifetime 234-136 record, along with his impressive strikeout total, He has been one of the better pitchers in baseball history. Sabathia’s lifetime 3.71 ERA and 1.253 WHiP have been better than league average. He has made six All Star Games, and won a Cy Young award. But is Sabathia a Hall of Fame caliber pitcher?
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The fact that this is even a debate is somewhat remarkable. Sabathia had a horrid run with the Yankees from 2013 through 2015, culminating with his entry into rehab for his alcoholism. His career seemed to be over.
And then, Sabathia rose from the ashes. He may not have been great in 2016, but he put together a solid performance. He posted a 3.91 ERA and a 1.319 WHiP, proving to be an above average starter once again. This year has been even better, with the 36 year old looking rejuvenated. He may not have proven to be worth that contract the Yankees signed him to prior to the 2009 campaign, but he has helped solidify the rotation this year.
At his age, Sabathia has a couple of other milestones within his sights. With a solid performance in 2018, he may well end the year with 250 wins and 3000 strikeouts. As the 300 game winner may be a thing of the past, those 250 wins may be a total to earn the respect of the voters. Add in those strikeouts, and his compelling resurrection, and Sabathia could have a compelling case for induction.
CC Sabathia is putting together a Hall of Fame resume. If he can continue to pitch well, the New York Yankees lefty may end up in Cooperstown after all.