Keeping the Band Together

The big Yankee news so far from this week's general managers meetings hasn't been a blockbuster trade or a pricey free agent signing. It was word that the Yanks had re-signed CC Sabathia to a one-year deal, at a lower salary than 2018. That comes on the heels of a similar arrangement with Brett Gardner: one more year for somewhat less money.
The Yankees with the longest continuous tenure. Both are considered important clubhouse leaders. But both are in decline: on the wrong side of 35 and facing the inevitability of time. Odds are these valued veterans won't be frontline players in 2019 -- Sabathia can be penciled in as a the number-five starter, tossing five effective innings, especially in lefty-friendly Yankee Stadium. Gardner is the fourth outfielder, the defensive specialist off the bench, the capable reserve to plug in everyday in case of injury.
Are they worth a combined $15.5 million and two of the 25 roster spots? Color me skeptical.
(My images of Sabathia and Gardner are from the Yankees/Orioles game on April 28th, 2017.)

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