The Milwaukee Brewers and Executive Vice President and General Manager Doug Melvin have just announced they have acquired LHP C.C. Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for OF Matt LaPorta, LHP Zach Jackson, RHP Rob Bryson and a player to be named.
Sabathia will wear uniform #52 when he joins the Brewers.
From the Brewers' press release...
"The acquisition of C.C. is a credit to all of the fan support that this organization has enjoyed over the last few years," said Melvin. “Without their support, we would not be in a position to acquire a pitcher of this caliber. This addition to our ballclub is also a credit to our great scouting and player development departments led by Jack Zduriencik and Reid Nichols. Without their expertise, we would not have produced the kind of talented players needed to make a deal of this magnitude. We also could not have made this deal without the undying support of our ownership.”
Sabathia, 27, owns a career record of 106-71 with a 3.83 ERA in 237 starts over eight seasons with the Indians. He is a three-time All-Star (2003-04, 2007) and has pitched in the postseason twice (2001 and 2007). Since making his debut in 2001, he is among the Major League leaders in both wins (T10th, 106 - T5th among lefthanders) and strikeouts (5th, 1,265 - 3rd among lefthanders). He recorded at least 11 victories in each of his first seven seasons.
“C.C. is one of the top pitchers in the game today,” said Melvin. “His addition to the starting rotation will be a major key in helping the team reach its ultimate goal of going to the postseason and beyond.”
Sabathia is 6-8 with a 3.83 ERA in 18 starts this season. He currently leads the American League in strikeouts (123) and strikeouts per 9.0 innings (9.0) while ranking second in innings pitched (122.1) and tied for second in complete games (3). Since April 22 he is 6-5 with a 2.16 ERA in 14 starts (104.1ip, 25er). His ERA since April 22 ranks third in the Major Leagues. He has tossed 10 quality starts this season and has produced five double-digit strikeout performances, including three in a row from June 15-27.
I hope to talk to Matt LaPorta some time today.