New York Yankees: C.C. Sabathia passes Whitey Ford on the all time wins list
New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia surpassed Whitey Ford on the all time wins list with his win over Toronto.
After a stellar outing against the Toronto Blue Jays during a matinee matchup against Toronto ace Marcus Stroman, CC Sabathia has surpassed New York Yankees legend Whitey Ford on the all-time wins list with career win 237. Sabathia, 37, pitched 5.2 innings with six strikeouts, only allowing four hits and no runs. The wild card winning Yankees turned to their veteran to lead them into the postseason with another reliable outing from the backend of their rotation.
Sabathia, the only other remaining player from the 2009 World Series Champion Yankees team besides Brett Gardner has been a major contributor to the success both on and off the field for a Yankees team that has their eyes on postseason success for years to come. The organization has been revitalized with the help of young studs Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Luis Severino.
For a pitcher to be in the tail end of his career Sabathia has been masterful at times throughout the season, resulting in a 13-5 record with 120 strikeouts, 1.27 whip, 3.84 era, and a 72% winning percentage. Heading into the postseason, the Yankees will need their veteran more than ever both physically and mentally as the young Yankees look to make a deep postseason run despite the odds being against them. Sabathia has made it clear to the organization he plans to continue pitching after the 2017 season concludes so hopefully he can add another World Series title to a potential hall of fame career. If he continues pitching the way he has the sky’s the limit come October.
The crafty veteran has transitioned well from a flamethrower earlier in his career into a pitcher who pinpoints the location of his pitches and tries to use his fastball to set up his strikeout inducing slider. 2017 has been a very productive season for Sabathia as he’s been able to accomplish his highest win total (14) since 2013 and his lowest ERA since 2012.
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New York is interested in bringing back for a 1 year deal around 8-10 million range. Sabathia has made it clear to the organization that he wants to continue his career. He has looked mighty good of late and that can only help in the postseason. If Sabathia is on track there is no telling where this run could end.