The Cleveland Indians have dealt ace pitcher, and reigning Cy Young award winner, CC Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers for a package of 4 prospects. The Brewers will now have one of the best 1-2 punches in the league by pairing Sabathia with ace Ben Sheets. However, the Brew Crew also gave up an impressive package for a player who is certainly just a rental (Sabathia will be a free agent at the end of the season). The Indians received:
Matt LaPorta
Rob Bryson
Zack Jackson
and a player to be named later (rumored to be Taylor Green)
LaPorta was said to be untouchable when the year began so the Indians certainly didn't give away their ace. LaPorta, a power hitter, was ranked as the 23rd best prospect overall last year by Baseball America.
The trade would seem to put the Brewers into the favorite roll (supplanting the St. Louis Cardinals) for the NL Wild Card if not for the NL Central title as well. However, the deal is also likely to trigger other trades now that a pitcher of Sabathia's caliber has been dealt. Look for the Cubs and or the Cardinals to try to respond with moves of their own.
Update:
Sabathia won his Brewer debut despite walking a season high 5 batters. He went 6 innings giving up 2 earned runs.
