CC Sabathia Trade Rumors – Destinations?

CC Sabathia, the oversized ace for the Cleveland Indians, is looking more and more like a player that is about to be traded. The Indians, who are 35-41 and seven games behind the AL Central leading Chicago White Sox, will likely look to trade Sabathia before he becomes a free agent after the season.

Sabathia struggled mightily to begin his 2008 campaign but has bounced back nicely. After posting a 7.76 ERA in April, Sabathia had a 2.44 ERA in May and so far in June has a 2.74 ERA. Sabathia, who won the Cy Young Award last year in the AL, seems to be back on top of his game.

If the Sabathia trade rumors heat up, which teams are the likely destinations? Let’s take a look:

Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox have lost Curt Schilling for the season and recently had to put Bartolo Colon on the DL. The Red Sox have the money to pay Sabathia and could view the hefty left as a key cog to their attempt to repeat as World Series champions.

New York Yankees
Like the Red Sox, the Yankees and their limitless payroll will definitely be in the running. New York entered the season banking on a few young arms to come through, however that hasn’t happened. Now with Chien-Ming Wang injured and out until September, their need for a star pitcher is great.

Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are looking to finally end their historical championship slump and 2008 looks like its their best shot in a long while. However, with Carlos Zambrano injured, their chances will go down the drain quickly if he can’t bounce back. That’s where Sabathia could come into play.

Los Angeles Dodgers
Sabathia grew up in California so perhaps he’d be interested in being traded to the Dodgers. And Los Angeles, with Brad Penny and Hiroki Kuroda both going on the DL, could definitely use Sabathia on its pitching staff.

Will CC Sabathia be traded?

Photo: Newscom