RESPECT: TAKING ADVICE FROM THE PROS

When you are in the position to learn something new, you seek the help of those well established in the field. If you want to build a house, you would speak with an architect. If you want to write a novel, you would speak with an author or publisher. If you want to figure out your kids third grade math homework... well, I usually go to Google and hope for some guidance.  We'll blame the Common Core, but that's neither here nor there. My point is, you take advice from the pros to help you out. Which is pretty much what CC Sabathia did.

CC, looking to expand his pitching repertoire, went to some legendary guys to get advice. Starting with advice from Andy Pettitte on how to throw a cutter. Pettitte showed up at Spring Training as a guest instructor. "He was showing me a grip with the cutter. I used it today and it worked pretty good, so I'm anxious to take it into a game," CC told Newsday. Pettitte has been teaching, and encouraging CC to add the cutter since last season.

You know what? I read this and I gain so much more respect for CC. I see guys like Pettitte and think "Pitchers could really benefit from his knowledge." Of course, if you leave it up to me, I'd replace our coaching staff with the Core Four. Sorry, Joe Girardi! I'm a huge fan, and think you are incredible, but I can totally see Jorge Posada taking over. That's a not so subtle hint, by the way. Consider it, Jorge and Laura! It could be great! 

Anyway, my point is that CC respects Andy enough to listen to his advice, and accept his guidance. Andy was a phenomenal Ace for us, but CC is phenomenal in his own right. He's a workhorse, and has gone above and beyond for the team. He's put in numerous innings for us, usually giving our bullpen some much needed rest. And you know what? I dig that! I really appreciate what he does for the team. But respecting Andy the way he does? Icing on the cake!

Now we know the guy's struggling. He's been criticized for not pitching well, for losing weight and for "running on empty." Is it fair? Sure, I guess, but CC knows there's some trouble there, and that's why he's trying to find a new way to pitch... be it the cutter, or something else.   

Look, if you read BYB enough you know we're big on respect here. You give it, and receive it tenfold from us. Our readers all have different opinions, and respect the writers enough to voice it in a manner that engages thoughtful conversation. It really is a great dynamic actually. So when CC shows that he trust Andy enough to allow him to teach CC a new pitch? Well that deserves serious BYB props! Pitching mechanics are tricky, and so is adding a new pitch. You have to seriously respect someone to let them in. 

I think I beat the "Respect" drum enough. All of that without Aretha Franklin. Well, here she is anyway:



Look, CC had a tough start on Opening day. But you know what? It is only Opening day, as cliche' as that may sound to some of you.  He gave up 6 runs, but settled down considerably after that. Of course those 6 runs cost us the game, but let's not get off track here. CC is our Ace, believe that!  He'll settle into his groove, and hopefully will be able to show off that new cutter.

You want perspective? It's 1 out of 162.

--Erica Morales BYB Senior Writer

Twitter: @e_morales1804

 
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