CC Sabathia replaced Mike Mussina as the Yankees’ high-priced import and extended his stay with the team by incorporating a cutter that Andy Pettitte helped him refine.
As Sabathia readies for what could be his last start as a Yankee — Tuesday night, AL Division Series Game 4, Red Sox — those associations feel ideal. Because in putting Sabathia’s legacy in perspective this is what emerges: Better Yankee career than Mussina, better overall career than Pettitte.
For those scoring at home, that makes Sabathia a vital figure for the most historic team in sports, plus a legitimate Hall of Fame candidate.