Q. With CC Sabathia checking himself into an alcohol rehabilitation facility just before the launch of the playoffs, how will this impact his pay?
A. It wont. Baseballs Basic Agreement protects players who undergo treatment for alcoholism. Interestingly, while many players are on a seasonal pay schedule, meaning they get paid from Opening Day through the end of the regular season, Sabathias contract calls for an annual pay schedule, meaning his salary gets distributed in 12 monthly payments. With a $23 million salary for 2015, his monthly intake is $1,916,666.67 before taxes.
Q. Will Sabathias bombshell announcement impact the way the Yankees, and professional sports teams in general, govern alcohol usage by their players?
A. It would have in the short term, had the Yankees defeated Houston in Tuesday nights American League wild-card game. Team members discussed holding a low-key celebration, out of respect for Sabathia. That would have been a marked contrast from last weeks raucous festivities after the Yankees clinched a playoff spot.
Precedent existed in Yankees history for such restraint: In 1999, when they swept the Rangers in the AL Division Series, they toasted with non-alcoholic champagne because Darryl Strawberry was a recovering alcoholic. The Rangers themselves used soft drinks during their playoff runs earlier in this decade as a nod to star player Josh Hamilton, who has dealt extensively with substance abuse.
In the longer term, though, business doesnt figure to change very much. The Yankees rules (and those of most teams) center more on liability than prevention. They dont allow alcohol in their clubhouse at Yankee Stadium, nor do they serve it on flights back into New York, becauseplayers could be driving back to their area homes. Beer and wine is available on flights to other cities, and alcohol isnt hard to get in the clubhouse on the road.
Q. Will Sabathia report to spring training in 2015 and immediately be part of the Yankees starting rotation?
A: Barring a setback in his treatment, or problems with his right knee, yes. Sabathia actually raised the level of his performance upon returning from the disabled list, compiling a 2.17 ERA in five starts. The Yankees have control of all of their starting pitchers from this season, and while you wouldnt bet against some change, you also shouldnt count on a pursuit of high-end free-agent pitchers like David Price. Sabathia also is in excellent standing with his teammates and employers, so he shouldnt have to endure any awkward reintroduction like Alex Rodriguezs this past spring training.
Q. How will this affect Sabathias legacy with the Yankees?
A: While it wont be forgotten, if Sabathia can learn anything from teammates present and past like A-Rod and Andy Pettitte, its that most fans, as well as the Yankees owners, want to move past the bad times and savor the good times. Bet on Sabathia receiving a huge ovation when he appears at the Yankees 2029 Old Timers Day to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the 2009 champions. Same for Pettitte and A-Rod.
Q. Will Sabathia still receive a full postseason share even though he wont be participating in the postseason?
A. Yes. If youre on the roster for the entire regular season, then you get a full share.
Source: http://nypost.com/2015/10/07/whats-next-for-cc-sabathia-the-yankees-and-mlb/
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