New York Yankees: Recovering CC Sabathia talks Beltran reunion
New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia touched on a potential reunion with former teammate, Carlos Beltran.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t has been well documented that the New York Yankees are pondering a reunion with Carlos Beltran.Some say it makes sense, some wonder why the Yankees would think about locking the DH position to a 39-year old and CC Sabathia, who’s recovering from offseason knee surgery, doesn’t seem to think it’s such a bad idea.
“I would love for him to come back,” Sabathia told Scott Lauber of ESPN.com.
[sc name=”Yankees Link Related” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2016/12/01/new-york-yankees-among-hottest-teams-pursuit-carlos-beltran/” text=”Yankees heating up in the Carlos Beltran sweepstakes” ]Sabathia, who is coming off his best year since 2012, also told Lauber that Beltran is primed for a David Ortiz-like success at 40-years old and he is convinced that is certainly the case.
Beltran, who lives in New York, slashed .304/.344/.546 with an OPS of .890 and 22 home runs in 99 games during the first half in New York in 2016.[sc name=”Yankees Center Right” ]
He then smacked seven home runs and 12 doubles in 52 games for the AL West-winning Texas Rangers. He was denied his first World Series win after being swept in the ALDS by the Blue Jays but fully plans on returning to the game for his 20th season.
While staying in-house could bring flexibility, especially with Gary Sanchez and the recovering Greg Bird, they only have three returning players that hit 15+ home runs a year ago (Sanchez, Didi Gregorius and Starlin Castro).
There is a power crave for the Yankees, and a one-year commitment won’t halt the youth movement. While certainly a topic of debate, we should find out where Beltran ends up either at the winter meetings or shortly after.
Keep tuning into ESNY for any updates as the hot stove season progresses.
[sc name=”Yankees Link Next” link=”https://elitesportsny.com/2016/12/02/new-york-yankees-will-have-room-to-work-with-after-cba-agreement/” text=”Yankees will have room to work with after CBA agreement” ] [sc name=”Yankees Center 2″ ][sc name=”Kouroupakis Footer” ]
Christian Kouroupakis covers the New York Yankees and is the Editorial Director for ESNY. Interact with him and view his daily work by “liking” his facebook page and follow him on Twitter. All statistics are courtesy of Baseball Reference.com unless otherwise noted. Don’t hesitate to shoot him an email with any questions, criticisms, or concerns.
