Sabathia To Brewers

The Cleveland Indians have agreed in principle to send reigning Cy Young award winner C.C. Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers for top prospect Matt LaPorta, pitcher Rob Bryson, pitcher Zach Jackson, and a player to be named later. The teams have agreed verbally, with the deal being contingent on paperwork and a physical. The Brewers reportedly wanted to get Sabathia two starts before the All Star break, and could start as early as Tuesday against the Colorado Rockies. Sabathia couldn't have come at a better time for the Brewers. They are 3 1/2 games back of the Central leading Chicago Cubs, and are tied with the St. Louis Cardinals atop the Wild Card standings. The addition of Sabathia gives Milwaukee the best one, two punch in the NL, and arguably the best in the majors. In addition to Sabathia, the Brewers already have current ace Ben Sheets (10-2, 2.77 ERA), who is off to the best start of his career. The Brewers were considered the front runner in the Sabathia sweepstakes, while the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Phillies were all also vying for the righty's services. With Sabathia out, this means the Phils have to switch their focus. They will most likely now go after Erik Bedard of the Seattle Mariners. Continue to check back as we monitor the Phils' trade moves.