CC Sabathia Looking To Make a Big Return This Season

CC Sabathia threw his first outdoor bullpen session Saturday, and hopes to be on a mound a lot more this season.

C.C. Sabathia weighed in at Spring Training for the Yankees at 305 pounds. The former Cy Young winner hopes that this weight will fuel the charge at making a big comeback after injury problems last year. 

Image Credit: DeadSpin.com

Joe Girardi signed off on this bigger Sabathia, with the Yankees' doctor and trainers setting a target weight that's still below what he weighed in Cleveland, but one they expect will put less wear and tear on that knee.

Sabathia lost a huge amount of weight two years ago. He weighed around 275 pounds, the lightest he has ever been. This proved to be a bad decision as Sabathia posted the worst numbers of his career.

Then in 2014, he was placed on the disabled list for the majority of the season because of an injury. But gaining some of that weight back makes Sabathia think he is really going to bounce back. After all, he did win a Cy Young when he was at this same weight back in 2007 when he was with the Indians.

Sabathia's knee condition is degenerative, so it's only going to get worse. He admitted he's needed three platelet-rich plasma injections to get him ready for spring training. He's 34 years old, but he's been remarkably durable throughout his career—which has always been one of his strengths—and racked up more than 2,800 innings, third most among active players.

Now 34 years old, Sabathia has had a rough two years, owning a 4.87 ERA in 257 innings since the start of the 2013 season. Though Sabathia admitted he’ll likely never completely overcome his degenerative knee condition, he’ll try to be productive in the middle of the Yankees’ starting rotation behind Masahiro Tanaka and Michael Pineda.

Sabathia will have plenty of time to get his stuff back as the Yankees tee off against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 6th. Manager Joe Girardi will need Sabathia to produce like he has in years past if the Yankees plan on making the playoffs.

Christine O'Connor

@christineeeeO

Hip Hop almost NON Existent at the Grammys, Robinson Cano in attendance, and more.

Via the official Instagram of Beyoncé.

The 54th annual Grammy awards has slapped the hip hop industry right in the face, this past Sunday night.

While LL Cool J hosted the show, along with a show opening performance by Beyoncé (later followed by a little help from Jay-Z), the Grammy's went on to prove that it is nothing more then a glorified, Pop/Rock Music Award Show. Jay-Z won the award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, for his hit "Holy Grail" featuring Justin Timberlake, amongst a few other awards throughout the night. Unfortunately, that's where the night ended for Hip Hop (other then an outstanding performance by Kendrick Lamar.)

Pop artist Macklemore, won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, along with Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best New Artist. After the show, Macklemore sent a text message to Kendrick, stating that Kendrick had gotten "robbed" of the Best Rap Album category. Okay, so if that's how you're REALLY feeling, then give him the Grammy! Kendrick DID get robbed and he absolutely deserved to win for all his hard work & struggle! 

Via the official Instagram of Macklemore.

Via the official Instagram of Robinson Cano.

Robinson Cano posted a picture on Instagram, sitting with Beyoncé and Jay-Z. I'm gonna say, since Robbie signed with Roc Nation Sports, his ego has gone through the roof. Cano seems to think he's a "super celebrity" now! I wonder if this "signing with Roc Nation Sports" trend, is going to effect CC's persona. Honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less then his normal self. A respectful athlete, who appreciates the organization he works for.  

Next years Grammys should be interesting. Judging by this year, it's looking like Hip Hop is gonna have less & less impact, year by year in the future. 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

CC Sabathia signs with Roc Nation Sports

Roc Nation Sports, the sports agency started by Jay Z, has signed New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and will represent him on and off the field.

"CC exemplifies everything Roc Nation looks for in an athlete and a partner," Roc Nation Sports president Juan Perez said in a statement.

Via the official Roc Nation Twitter:: (@RocNation) January 17, 2014
Sabathia, 33, has at least three years left on his contract, which comes with a guaranteed $76 million. But when contract conversations do come up, which won't take place until before the 2017 season at the earliest, Roc Nation spokesman Ron Berkowitz said Jay Z and Perez plan on negotiating the pitcher's Roc Nation Sports, the sports agency started by Jay Z, has signed New York Yankees starting pitcher, CC Sabathia, and will represent him on and off the field.

The agency's official Twitter account tweeted a picture of Sabathia signing with the firm:

Welcome @CC_Sabathia to the @RocNation family! #RocNationSportspic.twitter.com/

This photo was running wild on social media last night. Sabathia not only tweeted this, but also posted it on his official Instagram account. This seems to be a "trend." First, Cano signed with Roc Nation last year, and now Sabathia. 

Which athlete are you expecting to sign with Jay-Z, and Roc Nation next? 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)