Sabathia Defends Volpe, But The Argument Falls Flat

Sure, I get why CC Sabathia is backing Anthony Volpe — I really do. CC’s a Yankee legend, a straight shooter, a guy who bleeds pinstripes. Of course he’s going to support the kid. But let’s not act like this is breaking news. It’s not. It’s not even a headline — unless you’re desperate to make it one.

Here’s the truth: CC is the best, but CC in my opinion, is wrong. And that’s fine. You don’t need advanced analytics, exit velocities, or “projected WAR” to figure this out — just use your eyeballs. Watch Volpe flail at the plate. Watch him get lost in the field. Watch Aaron Boone drool over his golden boy like he’s the second coming of Derek Jeter. Even the beat writers who’ve covered this team for decades know Volpe isn’t it right now — many just won’t say it out loud, some do, and I respect that.

The other night, Boone finally benched Volpe and started José Caballero at shortstop. Guess what? Caballero didn’t do much hitting ninth, but at least shortstop wasn’t a circus act. That was the smartest move Boone’s made all year. And yesterday? Volpe’s back in the lineup. That’s not just bad managing — that’s malpractice. The kid needs a week on the bench. A full mental reset. But no, Boone can’t quit his obsession.

Now, CC’s telling people to relax, using Miguel Andújar as an example — you know, the guy the Yankees jerked around for years, switched positions on, didn’t allow to have consistency and eventually they dumped him. And somehow, after a long road, he’s still in the Majors. Good for Andújar. Really. But comparing him to Volpe? Nonsense. Andújar never got consistent at-bats or a stable role until he found a team to allow him to blossom. Volpe’s been handed both on a silver platter and still hasn’t figured it out. In other words, the Yankees have been consistent letting Volpe play, but Volpe isn’t good, but they still give him chances.  they never did that to Miguel.

CC even tossed out Gary Sánchez’s name, saying with patience he could’ve still been the Yankees’ catcher. Yeah, about that — Sánchez got run out of town because he didn’t hustle, couldn’t block, and looked allergic to effort. He had plenty of chances; he just didn’t care enough. That’s not Volpe’s issue — but it’s still the same result: too much rope, not enough production.

Look, Volpe’s not a rookie anymore. He’s had flashes, sure, but consistency isn’t just lacking — it’s vanished. If you’re out there every single day and you’re still awful, that’s not a slump, that’s who you are right now. And if Boone refuses to adjust, that’s on him too.

So yeah, CC’s saying the “right” things publicly. He’s a company guy. He’s not going to blast a young player in front of cameras. But behind closed doors? There’s no way the competitor in CC doesn’t know the truth: Volpe needs to sit. The kid’s not good right now, and no amount of blind loyalty is going to change that.

My opinion right now, and I love Sabathia!