Brewers bring in CC

The Milwaukee Brewers are expected to announce today the acquisiton of C.C. Sabathia from the Cleveland Indians for four minor leaguers, highlighted by 2007 first round pick LF Matt LaPorta, along with two minor league pitchers and a player to be named later. Sabathia, a pending free agent, will give the Brewers a potent 1-2 combo at the top of the Milwaukee rotation along with right hander Ben Sheets.

The Brewers are trying to solidify their talent as they try to make a push towards the playoffs, not having been in the post season since the Robin Yount/Paul Molitor led Brewers back in 1982. Let’s also not forget the famed spending ways of previous owner Bud Selig, and his tumultous regime in Milwaukee. Things seem to be turning around a bit in Milwaukee.

This is the first big trading chip of the year, and may be the biggest one sent packing as we approach the trading deadline at the end of this month.

It is a growing trend in major league baseball where the middle markets are starting to spend more and compete with the bigger markets. Five years ago, a team like Milwaukee would’ve had no chance at bringing in a Sabathia, it would’ve been reserved for the New York, Boston, Chicago or California teams. It’s definitely good to see more teams get into the mix for the top talent.

Another great example is the Oakland A’s signing last week of international prospect, 16-year old pitcher Michael Inoa to a $4.25 million signing bonus. Teams like the Athletics wouldn’t have been involved in a signing of this magnitude in past years. It’s good to see the finances of baseball working better, but there’s a LONG ways to go before they gain the financial equality that the NFL has.