The Brewers have reportedly reached a deal to aquire C.C. Sabathia from the Indians, a move that makes them a serious NL contender. It also gives Sabathia's fantasy value a nice boost.
Sabathia (6-8, 3.83 ERA) had a bit of a disappointing start to the season compared to last season's Cy Young campaign, but there's a lot to like here. He's got a 2.39 ERA in his past 12 starts, he's had horrible run support from the lackluster Cleveland offense, and his K/9 rate is actually better than last year's. Now as a Brewer, he'll have a better offense behind him and should also benefit from facing weaker NL lineups. I foresee a big second half for C.C. as the Brewers make a playoff push.
The jewel on the other side of this deal is Double-A outfielder Matt LaPorta, the seventh overall pick of last year's draft and a former Florida Gators star. LaPorta was leading the Southern League with 20 home runs and has been compared as a hitter to Lance Berkman. Intriguing. Like Berkman, LaPorta's apparently not much of a fielder and was blocked at the corner outfield spots (Ryan Braun, Corey Hart) and first base (Prince Fielder) in Milwaukee. The power-starved Indians have no such problem in their outfield, and I expect to see LaPorta in the bigs very soon.
Photo by The Associated Press
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