Who wants Sabthia?

So there is no secret that the Indians are wanting to part ways with their franchise pitcher C.C. Sabathia. This was confirmed in a press release by Cleveland Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro.

But how much can the Indians get out of the 27 year-old and who might be interested. Obviously teams that did not expect to be in the situation they're in now (i.e. the Tampa Bay Rays. Most teams have about 75 games left in their season. If Sabathia was to be traded today, and if he started every fifth game, that would mean he would play in no more than 15 games. Don't forget that Sabathia is a free agent after the season is over.

So let's say that your General Manager of, oh, let's say the Tampa Bay Rays (Andrew Friedman), what would you give up to have someone play in 15 games for your team? Tampa Bay has lots of good, young assets in the higher minors. Maybe 25 year-old pitcher Jeff Niemann who is doing well in triple-A Durham. But is Shapiro willing to accept a AAA pitcher for a big league one? Cleveland is going to need a lot more help than that. And the Indians don't just want draft picks.

Now in the midst of an eight game losing streak, the team should look at making wholesale changes. It would be unthinkable to trade Cliff Lee or Grady Sizemore, but depth is something this team does not have? And has anyone seen Buffalo's team lately? No one is waiting in the wings there. Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers were two of their last remaining high level prospects, and now that they're in Cleveland, that is it. They are going to have to wait sometime to develop from within. Jordan Brown is the closest thing to a prospect in Buffalo. But hasn't been considered much of one simply because Ryan Garko was supposed to be the first baseman of the future.

The point is A) Don't expect much for Sabathia by himself. B) If you are really wanting to give Cleveland a chance in the 2009 season, you are going to need more than what Sabathia can give you in the trade market.