MLB Baseball: CC Sabathia

The biggest free agent signing so far this 2009 MLB Free Agency is obviously of CC Sabathia becoming a Yankee. He was signed to a 7-year $161 million deal, which means he earns $23 million a year. That puts him slightly ahead of Johan Santana's then-record deal, making him the highest paid pitcher in the MLB! But, is CC Sabathia is worth $23 million a year? Well, let's see:

Age: Sabathia is 28 now, and at the end of his contract, he will be 35 years old.

Achievements: Sabathia won the 2007 AL Cy Young award with a record of 19-7 and a 3.21 ERA.

Statistics: After a slow start in 2008 with the Indians, he pitched 11-2 and posted a 1.65 ERA with the Brewers to end the season with 17 wins,10 losses, a 2.70 ERA, 251 strikeouts, and 253 innings pitched.

Other Facts: Sabathia is a classic power pitcher with his fastball, and slider/cutter. He throws with extreme control. CC Sabbathia has pitched a total of more than 500 innings in the past 2 years. It may seem like a lot, so it also shows how healthy Sabathia is and how he can still pitch while under pressure like at the end of the 2008 season.

The Verdict: With his past achievements and durability, Sabathia has shown that he is an extremely reliable pitcher and can put up big numbers. His stats put him up with the best in the league, and his great personality is another major plus. If you want quality, you have to pay for it, right? But, is CC really worth $23 million for 7 years? Yes, I think he is worth the money.

Good Luck to CC Sabathia and the Yankees in 2009 and Forever!