Deep Left Field | A Cleveland Indians Blog

When Is It Time to Panic for C.C. Sabathia?

Being that it is only April 17th, it would seem ludicrous to push the panic button on the entire Indians’ season.  However, the current status of “ace” C.C. Sabathia is more than concerning and would warrant one more look at that big red button labeled “Panic!”  After giving up nine runs for the second straight start, Sabathia is now 0-3 with an ERA that is now 13.50.  He has 14 strikeouts to go along with 14 walks, and has been mightily embarrassed in his last two starts, looking almost clueless.  And while his first two starts weren’t completely awful, he has yet to make it out of the sixth inning in 2008.

This is supposed to be the reigning Cy Young winner and free agent-to-be.  Supposedly, the problem is the big lefty’s lack of command of his cut fastball and changeup, especially on the inside part of the plate against right handers.  Sabathia says he feels healthy, and would not admit that his impending free agency poses any sort of a distraction.  To be honest, I would attribute his struggles to simply trying too hard to live up to his elevated status.  Either way, it is impossible to pinpoint the exact issue with Sabathia, but once a player becomes mentally unsure of himself, it can take a long time to get out of such a rut.

Both Sabathia and the Indians have to kick it into gear, because they are realizing once again that a previous season’s success means nothing in the new year (think back to 2005, when the Tribe won 93 games; then think about their forgettable 2006).  For a sense of reality, Cleveland now finds itself at the bottom of the AL Central standings at 5-10, tied with the Tigers.  Like I said, it’s only April 17th, but the warning signs for a long summer are there.  Ask me again about that panic button in about a month.