New York Yankees Starting Pitchers, Continued
When the Yankees opted to re-sign J.A. Happ (1.1 fWAR) to a 2-year, $34M deal, many were puzzled. In 2018, the Yanks traded for Happ because he was supposedly able to neutralize a hot Red Sox lineup.
It turned out that that wasn’t actually the case. In one start against Boston in the ALDS last year, Happ only managed to toss 2 IP, allowing 5 ER in the process.
What’s more, this season was Happ’s worst statistical season of his career. He pitched to a 4.91 ERA and allowed a career-high 34 HR.
FINAL LETTER GRADE FOR 2019: D
CC Sabathia (0.4 fWAR) has been the leader the Yankees have always wanted. While he hasn’t been the same fireballer over the past six or seven seasons, his clubhouse presence has been as integral to this team as… say… Judge’s bat.
His passion for the game is so strong that he literally left it all on the field this season, having been removed from a postseason appearance after he heard something pop in his shoulder. It would be the last time we see Sabathia on the mound as a member of the Yankees, and It couldn’t have been more perfect.
FINAL LETTER GRADE FOR 2019: D-