CHICAGO — They’re definitely an odd couple. CC Sabathia is the calm, composed, laid-back veteran; Francisco Cervelli is the exuberant, energetic, upbeat youngster. But the two have worked pretty well together while teaming up in three of Sabathia’s last four starts.
In a 3-2 win for the Yankees over the White Sox on Monday night, Sabathia gave up 10 hits but yielded only two runs and stranded seven runners in scoring position.
Sabathia didn’t state a preference, but he said their different personas make them a good mix on the field.
“He has a lot of energy,” Sabathia said of Cervelli. “He comes out to the mound a lot and makes sure that I’m finishing pitches and trying to be aggressive.”
Sabathia has a 2.33 ERA in 10 starts with Cervelli behind the plate and a 2.70 ERA in 14 starts with Russell Martin behind the dish. To be fair, with 16 wins and a 2.55 ERA, Sabathia would essentially be effective pitching to a net.
Cervelli hasn’t been told that he’s Sabathia’s personal catcher. He just enjoys the times he’s in the game, as evidenced by boisterous fist pumps every time his pitcher got a big out on Monday night.
“This is my game,” Cervelli said. “I love this sport, and every time I’m there, I’m going to compete.”
via Alden Gonzalez, MLB.com
