What the Sabathia Trade Means to the Brewers

Obviously it's a huge deal whenever a team makes a deal for the reigning Cy Young award winner, but what does this deal mean to the Brewers' chances this year?

It gives them a legitimate front of the rotation starter to be paired with Ben Sheets for the rest of the year, and with the opportunity for CC to make approximately 14 or 15 more starts this season, he can make a big impact on the NL Central race. Sabathia essentially replaces either Dave Bush or Seth McClung in the rotation, and whoever gets replaced (presumably McClung because of his previous bullpen experience and Bush's strong past few starts) will provide the Brewers with sorely-needed bullpen help and depth.

Believe it or not, he will also help the team on offense on the days that he starts. Sabathia is a career .300 hitter with 2 homers in 40 at bats. Most importantly if the Brewers make the playoffs; Sabathia, Sheets, and Manny Parra will give Milwaukee an imposing playoff rotation that will be able to compete with anyone else's in the NL.

This is an exciting day to be a Milwaukee Brewers fan, and hopefully the addition of CC Sabathia will allow the Brewers to break their 26 year playoff drought.


Update: Jeff Suppan will be placed on the 15 day DL, and Sabathia will be taking his place in the rotation.