Knee Surgery For CC

Just days after losing the American League Championship Series news gets worse for the New York Yankees, their ace CC Sabathia is going to need knee surgery. The injury is considered relatively minor but could explain his poor performance in this years playoffs. Could this make it even more important that the Yankees sign Texas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee?

Let’s first focus on the injury itself, that’s the most important thing. The New York Post reports that the injury is a small meniscus tear in CC’s right knee. Sabathia will need to undergo surgery for it but should easily be ready to go by Spring Training. Yankees officials expect him to be recovered within three weeks.

So yea, hearing that I’m not to concerned about the big fella. Well actually I’m lying of course I’m concerned!!!! I won’t feel right about this till I see CC on the mound Opening Day and pitching effectively.

Even a minor knee procedure could seriously damage his mechanics. Whenever CC has struggled with his command its been because of his legs, mainly what former pitching coach Dave Eiland called the collapsing of his right knee. Oh and what a coincidence the tear is in that right knee, it could definitely explain why he never looked comfortable in the 2010 Playoffs.

If he starts favoring that leg, things could get ugly control wise and in a hurry. Luckily, CC is a professional and cares so much about winning that I don’t think that will happen. Unfortunately, I can’t be sold on it till I see him do it.

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Let’s get down to who this surgery really effects, Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers. The Yankees were already going to put on the full court press for Lee, they just had too. We all know about AJ Burnett and how you can’t trust him. We all know about the annual will he or won’t he retire with Andy Pettitte. We all know Phil Hughes is still developing into his role as a starting pitcher. So yea, the Yankees HAD to go after Lee.

But now with even just the slightest doubts about Sabathia’s health the Yankees have no choice. They’re going to have to throw whatever they can at Mr. Lee. There will be a blank check put on the table. There are going to be tons of incentives included in any deal. They’ll also be a ton of benefits most players don’t get added into his contract. The Yankees have no choice, they need a backup ace to their current ace.

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Tags: AJ Burnett, Andy Pettitte, CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, MLB, New York Yankees, Phil Hughes, Texas Rangers