CC JOINS BREW CREW
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitcher CC Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Matt LaPorta, pitchers Rob Bryson and Zach Jackson as well as a player to be named later ( Michael Brantley, October 3, 2008).
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
In Sabathia, the Brewers land one of the top starters in the game. Together with righty Ben Sheets, the lefty Sabathia should help form one of the top 1-2 combinations in any major-league rotation. Since both Sabathia and Sheets are headed to free agency this winter, Milwaukee is clearly in win-now mode. Losing top prospect LaPorta doesn't sting quite as much as it would for most teams, since his two best positions (first base and left field) are currently manned by rising stars Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun.
What does it give the Cleveland Guardians
It's been a trying year for the Tribe, so management felt they had no chance of keeping Sabathia around for the long haul. Therefore, they received very good value for his services. Jackson and Bryson have some promise, and the player to be named later is expected to be a decent prospect as well. However, the key to the deal from Cleveland's perspective is LaPorta, who will reportedly play left field at double-A Akron to start his Indians career. LaPorta could be in the big leagues by September.
Fantasy impact
