Thanks for the Memories, C.C.

The news just broke on ESPNews about 5 minutes ago. It's official--C.C. Sabathia is a Milwaukee Brewer. You know, I find myself watching the movie Major League all the time, and it's one of those movies that really is true--when the Indians are struggling, they really are in trouble. But when they're winning, it's almost magical. The vibe around the ballpark, the "magic" that surrounds the late inning comebacks--it's one of the best things in the world. Last year, it seemed as if the Indians were finally going to do it, finally win a World Series. They were one win away from making it, and there's no doubt in most people's minds that they would have won it if they were in it.


I remember sitting in Pronkville at The Jake last September for a game against the Detroit Tigers. We were close to clinching the division, and the vibe in the ballpark was incredible. Packed house, signs hanging from the rafters, crazy fans, everything. It was one of the best games I've ever been to, because I had never been so excited for a baseball game. C.C. was pitching, and he was dominant, like usual. He owned the Tigers, and that game really knocked the Tigers out of contention and pushed the Tribe into the Playoffs for the first time in 7 years.

It just seemed--at the time--that the Indians could do no wrong. Even if they were down by 4 in the bottom of the 9th, there was that "Jacobs Field Magic" that was always there in the late '90's. It was almost as if they were invincible, and that was only 10 months ago. I never thought I'd have to be saying the things I am about the Indians this year, but that's how baseball works. 10 months ago, the Indians looked like a team that would contend for not only the division, but championships for quite a few years. Everyone was hitting good, our pitching was amazing, our bullpen was incredible. This year, nothing's gone right. No one can hit (besides Sizemore), our bullpen is terrible, and our starters are hurt. Now, one of the best Cleveland Indians of all time has been shipped out. Sure, we got Matt LaPorta, who's supposed to be the next Ryan Braun, Jay Bruce, etc. I hope he is. I hope he hits a walk-off in Game 7 of the World Series in a few years and becomes a hero. Either way, it still sucks that C.C. is gone. He loved Cleveland, and Cleveland loved him. Now, he's off to Milwaukee. I just hope the Brewers fans respect him the way we did.

Thank you Carsten Charles Sabathia. Cleveland appreciates everything you've done for us for the past 8 years. You're always welcome back.