No, No Sabathia

When Dan Dean sent me a text message this afternoon to get my thoughts on the C.C. Sabathia trade rumors, I realized I hadn’t written about it all week. Not wanting to let Dan Dean down, I figured I’d address this whole C. C. Sabathia situation.

It’s easy to get caught up in the trade deadline hoopla, especially when your team is in the hunt for a playoff spot as the Phillies are. Normally, the Phillies frustrate me by not making a move or making a soft move. This year, though, I hope the Phillies keep relatively quiet at the deadline. I know I am in the minority with that statement, but let me explain my reasons.

Yes, I admit a proven starter like Sabathia could bolster the Phils starting rotation. I stress the word could. The Phillies don’t exactly own the best track-record when it comes to acquiring veteran pitchers via trade or free agency. Remember Kevin Millwood…Eric Milton…Andy Ashby? In the Phillies hitter-friendly digs, starting pitchers struggle as soon as they put on the Phillies uniform. Who’s to say Sabathia would not fit this mold?

With that in mind, consider the price tag to nab Sabathia. In the most likely scenario, the team would part with proven major leaguer Shane Victorino as well as stud pitching prospect in Carlos Corrasco. I have no problem if the Phillies bait the hook with Victorino. They have depth in the outfield. They could compensate for the loss of Victorino. However, I don’t like the idea of moving a solid prospect like Corrasco. Take a look at the Phillies pitchers who have enjoyed even mild success in the past few years: Brett Myers, Cole Hamels, Randy Wolf, even Kyle Kendrick. What do they have in common? They are all a product of the Phillies farm system. I don’t suggest the Phillies farm system is a pitching factory. However, when you play in a hitter’s park like CBP, it’s tough to bring in a dominant starter via free agency or trade. Instead, the Phils must product their own top-flight pitching. We can’t risk a potential stud starter for an uncertain veteran.

Plus, the Phillies currently win games with offense. As we march through the summer and toward the playoffs, the Phillies will continue to win with offense. So far, the lackluster starting pitching has not hindered the Phillies. Why mortgage your future to fix something that isn’t broken?

To me, it just doesn’t make much sense.

Time’s yours.