C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers

The Indians were telling teams today that it's "highly improbable" that C.C. Sabathia will make his next scheduled start for them. While Sabathia is still listed as the Indians' starting pitcher for their Tuesday night game in Detroit, it appears almost certain that he'll be traded before then.

The destination could well be Milwaukee. The Dodgers had been involved as recently as Sunday morning, but as of Sunday afternoon a baseball source familiar with the talks said that the Dodgers are out of it. While there was talk in the baseball world that the Phillies could make a late push, it seems likely that their offer will fall short.

The Brewers' offer is centered around Matt LaPorta, a 23-year-old outfielder who was Milwaukee's first-round draft pick a year ago. LaPorta has 20 home runs and 66 RBIs in 84 games at Double-A Huntsville. The Brewers reportedly told the Indians that they could have only two of their top five prospects, and that they couldn't have both LaPorta and Huntsville shortstop Alcides Escobar.

The Dodgers had been interested in Sabathia, but they have instead focused their efforts on a shortstop to replace the injured Rafael Furcal.

Even after they trade Sabathia, the Indians won't be done dealing. The Tribe plans to shop other players this month, with struggling reliever Rafael Betancourt's name mentioned.

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There are more teams in search of shortstops than there are available shortstops, which is why the Dodgers asked the Astros about Miguel Tejada (who Houston isn't interested in trading).

"There's a dearth of shortstops," one baseball official said.

The Dodgers, Blue Jays and Orioles have been the teams most active in looking. The Jays have been offering starter A.J. Burnett, and a source said they had talked to the Brewers about Burnett, hoping to get either Escobar or J.J. Hardy.

Brijo Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: Dec 16, 2006	Posted on: July 6, 2008 4:37 pm Score: 87 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers Maybe Sabathia can do what Don Sutton did 26 years ago... Scary to think it was that long ago, but I still hate the Cardinals! [ Reply to Comment ]
Wartstew34 Reputation: 97 Level: Superstar Since: May 7, 2008	Posted on: July 6, 2008 4:47 pm Score: 85 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers What are we waiting for pul the trigger already ? There is a thing called chemistry that requires a little time . The more the better . Lets get this thing done already. [ Reply to Comment ]
McFartenstei Reputation: 81 Level: All-Star Since: Jun 13, 2008	Posted on: July 6, 2008 4:55 pm Score: 38 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers I hope the Brewers have a good chance of resigning him. I've never understood giving up good young talent to rent a player for 2 mos. when there is no guarantee that it brings the a championship or even a playoff appearance. [ Reply to Comment ]
Tyldak23 Reputation: 98 Level: Superstar Since: Aug 16, 2006	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:08 pm Score: 92 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers The Brewers won't even try to resign him, Sheets is also a free agent after this season and they'll try and keep the homegrown pitcher first. However this isn't just prospects for Sabathia. Its prospects for Sabathia and 2 two compensatory picks in next years draft, which would likely be a pick from 20-30 and another pick at 31. I personally think these picks are greatly undervalued, with the advancement of scouting these players are becoming much surer of bets to be major leaguers. Did you realize that by the end of this season, over half of the first round picks from 2005 and 2006 will have already reached the majors? Those are ridiculous numbers. [ Reply to Comment ]
Bhark4 Reputation: 96 Level: Superstar Since: Aug 25, 2006	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:10 pm Score: 87 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers I hear a lot of talk about the brewers "Renting out" this guy for 2 months, but if im wrong, (i know im not) even if they do not sign him after this year, they would have him for 4 months. July, August, September, and the reason the Brewers would get him, October. 4 full months of baseball if the plan works out. After this year the brewers will prolly have to make a choice between CC and Sheets because it would be very hard to sign both. In my opinion this is a very fair trade, La Porta is a stud, but the positions he plays have no impact on the Brewers aslong as they can sign Fielder. I dont see them picking La Porta over Braun in the out field or Corey Hart. [ Reply to Comment ]
Barry Alvarez Reputation: 91 Level: All-Star Since: Sep 11, 2006	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:25 pm Score: 82 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers of course they wouldn't put him into an outfield slot over braun or hart, but just imagine moving hart to CF and having La Porta in RF. I would prefer that we trade LaPorta and hold onto Gamel. Gamel could play 3rd base in the bigs, or if Fielder leaves, he could move over to 1st base. We still have Tony Gwynn, Jr who I would really like to see play CF in the 09 season [ Reply to Comment ]
Hbomb30 Reputation: 83 Level: All-Star Since: Mar 14, 2007	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:26 pm Score: 71 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers I have thins thought to add to the mix. The author of this blogs stats in his first sentence that the Indians, "were telling teams that it is highly improbable that CC would be making his next start for them." My question is Mr Knobler, what do you mean by "telling teams", are the Indians making calls to all the ML teams just to let them know whats up(like teams not involved with any trades would care anyway). I don't get why other "teams" would then make it news...when it probably has nothing to do with them....or do they just want to get involved with the rumor mill? [ Reply to Comment ]
McFartenstei Reputation: 81 Level: All-Star Since: Jun 13, 2008	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:29 pm Score: 35 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers It's only 4 mos. if they get that far and one player that only plays every 5 days is certainly no sure thing that they will get that far. As far as signing C.C. or Sheets I would definately sign C.C.. Sheets has been injury prone his whole career. If LaPorta is as advertised he sure would be a nice addition in center field for the Brewers they would have one of the best outfields in the game. [ Reply to Comment ]
Cheesehead42 Reputation: 87 Level: All-Star Since: Dec 7, 2006	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:41 pm Score: 79 Pick him up already! Gallardo and Capuano on the DL; Bush is bush; Suppan is batting practice. Sheets and Para are kicking butt but Yost can't put up a 2 man rotation. We finally have an owner who will shed some cash...I say bring on the mercenary. I agree with the reference to Don Sutton...How about Reggie White? [ Reply to Comment ]
brewcrew199 Reputation: 94 Level: All-Star Since: May 31, 2008	Posted on: July 6, 2008 5:56 pm Score: 56 C.C. could go today, maybe to Brewers Bush isn't just Bush, recently he's been better. Pitching 7 or 8 innings every outing for his last 4 or 5 starts. Suppan was about the dumbest pickup Yost has ever made, so he can easily be cut. Gallardo will come back and be a good 4th or 5th starter, Cappy could go to relief and join Villinueva. Add C.C in the mix, resign Sheets, and all worries gone. [ Reply to Comment ]

Danny Knobler

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