Indians Trade Sabathia to Brewers

July 8, 2008 | by Carron J. PhillipscloseAuthor: Carron J. Phillips Name: Carron Phillips
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About: Carron is a Graduate of Morehouse College (2006), and is originally from Saginaw, MI. Sports Writing is Carron's passion and love. Drop Carron an email to get in touch with him.See Authors Posts (276)   | Filed under athletes, baseball

Milwaukee Brewers General Manager Doug Melvin must be a gambler because after his latest move on Monday, he is hoping he rolled snake eyes.

The Brewers traded four prospects (Matt LaPorta, Rob Bryson, Zach Jackson, and a player to be named) for the reigning American League Cy Young winner CC Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians. Melvin is putting all his marbles in one basket on this one by teaming Sabathia and Ben Sheets as one of the best 1-2 punch pitching combinations in the Big Leagues.

The only thing is that the pair will only be together for a couple of months. Sheets and Sabathia will be free agents when the season is over. While in Cleveland, Sabathia turned down a 4 year extension worth $72 million to stay with the Tribe. So Melvin is hoping that the Brew Crew can win not now, but right now.

When the deal finalized on Monday it all but ended the season for the Cleveland Indians. Sabathia’s 6-8 record and 3.83 ERA was the only thing that was keeping fans in the stadium in Cleveland. Sabathia’s slow start this season doesn’t even compare to his 19-7 record with a 3.21 ERA from last year. But the Brewers have faith in the hefty hurler and believe that Sabathia, Sheets, and Cecil’s son can get the ball rolling in Beer Town. “I’d say we’re going for it. That’s the way I look at it.” were the words from Melvin on Monday.

Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro knows that this trade won’t help his team now, but has a positive outlook for his ball club’s future. With a dissatisfying season in Cleveland, Shapiro knew they had nothing to lose by making this deal:

“We all headed into this season with what feel are well-founded expectations for a championship-contending season. Four core players on the DL — tough for almost any to overcome — as well as disappointing performances from many components of our team, most noticeably in the bullpen, leave us at the juncture we’re at. There wasn’t much doubt or question in our mind that it was nearly impossible for us to become a contending club this year”

Sabathia will take the mound Tuesday night against the Rockies and is looking to things started before the All-Star Break. His new partner-in-crime, Ben Sheets, has a current record of 10-2 with a 2.77 ERA.

By adding Sabathia to the roster it brought the Brewers payroll close to the $90 million range. Doug Melvin better get his money’s worth, or have another ace up his sleeve.