Fansided

5 questions the Yankees must answer in spring training

By Rucker Haringey

Bronx, N.Y.: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game 4 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2018 in the Bronx, New York (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Newsday via Getty Images)
Bronx, N.Y.: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Game 4 of the ALDS at Yankee Stadium on October 9, 2018 in the Bronx, New York (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Newsday via Getty Images) /
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ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 27: New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) delivers a pitch during the regular season MLB game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on September 27, 2018 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – SEPTEMBER 27: New York Yankees starting pitcher CC Sabathia (52) delivers a pitch during the regular season MLB game between the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays on September 27, 2018 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Is CC Sabathia healthy?

The idea that a 38-year-old CC Sabathia is going to hold down a steady spot in the starting rotation for a full season is probably a fantasy for the Yankees front office. At best, the team can enter the 2019 season hoping he’ll throw 153 innings just like he did in 2018.

Expecting a pitcher of that age to enjoy a healthy season after suffering from a 90 percent artery blockage in the offseason is a much different matter. The Yankees need to prepare for the possibility that Sabathia can’t manage to crack the 100 innings mark.

If Sabathia is forced to miss significant time, it could become a real problem for the Yankees. The internal options available to Boone aren’t all that encouraging. Neither Luis Cessa or Chance Adams is going to win many games in the majors next season. Most of the other prospects in the system are too young to make meaningful impacts this season.

The one hope to replace Sabathia would be Jonathan Loaisiga. He’s struggled with a ton of injuries during his young career, but he flashed elite stuff during his time in the Bronx last season. The organization would prefer to leave him in the minors for a full season, but if Sabathia can’t handle a full workload they’ll need to accelerate the young right hander’s development.

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