Brewers land C.C. Sabathia!!

In a move that has been increasingly likely in the last couple weeks, the Brewers consumated a deal with the Cleveland Indians that will bring reigning AL Cy Young winner C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee.  The Brewers will give up AA outfielder Matt LaPorta and a couple other prospects.  For those that follow Who's in Right Field?, LaPorta's name has come up several times in Down on the Farm Reports.  He's the top-rated prospect in the Brewers system and one of the most sure-fire power hitters in all of the minors.  I think he'll be a 30-40 home run/100 RBI guy within 3-4 years.  The other players rumored to be in the deal are AAA pitcher Zack Jackson, Single-A pitcher Rob Bryson, and a player to be named later who will likely be 2007 Brewers Minor League Player of the Year Taylor Green.  It is a lot to give up, but well worth it in my opinion.  I liked LaPorta and he would have been a good fit at first if/when Prince leaves, or move him to left, Braun to right, Hart to center.  But you have to give up some good players to get a Cy Young winner, even if only as a rental.

I think this move immediately makes the Brewers the favorite in the Wild Card race, and closes the gap between themselves and the Cubs in the division.  I'd put our chances of making the playoffs right now as about 85%.  I'd be very disappointed if they don't.  By the way, in addition to pitching these last couple months Sabathia has a couple bonuses:  1)  He is an excellent hitter and should give us yet another solid bat when he pitches, 2)  when he does leave in free agency we'll get two high draft picks for him to help replace the prospects we lost.