If you find yourself conducting an interview with CC Sabathia, don’t bring up his lackluster spring.
In 9 2/3 innings this spring, five of which came Saturday at the Yankees’ minor league complex for Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against the Pirates’ affiliate Indianapolis, Sabathia has allowed five home runs.
When asked how much stock the media, fans or even the team should put in those numbers, the 34-year-old former Cy Young winner made a strong statement.
“I don’t give a f— what stock they put in it,” Sabathia said, via NJ.com. “It is what it is. I’ve had spring trainings where I’ve given up a lot of runs and went out and had a good season. I’ve had spring trainings like last year where I didn’t give up (any) runs and I gave up (six) in the first game (April 1 at Houston). So you all can put stock in whatever you want. I’m not really worried about it.”
According to NJ.com, Sabathia’s on-the-mound demeanor was a bit harsh as well as he “dropped several more expletives after several pitches.”
Sabathia gave up two homers Saturday, including one on his first pitch of the day, which he didn’t seem that upset about.
“I think there should be a rule against swinging at the first pitch of the game,” Sabathia said smiling, via the New York Post. “That’s my take on it. That’s what I was thinking, anyway.”
The Yankees already announced Masahiro Tanaka will take the ball on opening day with Sabathia penciled in to start the third game of the season, breaking Sabathia’s streak of starting six straight openers.
As for manager Joe Girardi’s take, he just wants his hefty lefty healthy after a knee surgery prematurely ended his 2014 season.
"I didn't see the home runs today," Girardi said. "I don't know how much the wind had a factor. Hey, the bottom line is that he's right opening day. I feel like he's making progress and that's the bottom line."
The Yankees open the season April 6 against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.