Despite having a bone spur removed from the left elbow and working 200 or more innings for the last four seasons, CC Sabathia wants no part of a reduced workload in 2013.
“I don’t know what you would get out of it,’’ Sabathia said of his innings being reduced. “I don’t think cutting back innings or reducing pitch count would do any good.’’
Despite being on the disabled list twice, Sabathia managed to work 200 innings this past season. Though he said inflammation in his elbow following starts limited his flexibility, it never hindered him on the mound.
“The day after [a start] I couldn’t touch my shoulder, but I can’t use it as an excuse or for pitching bad in Game 4 [of the ALCS], I can’t say that,’’ Sabathia said.
Sabathia, who has shed a sling for a brace, spends three days a week at Yankee Stadium working with trainer Steve Donohue and two days in Manhattan with a rehab therapist.
“As long as Stevie is happy, I am happy,’’ said Sabathia, who believes he will be ready to join a regular program at the start of spring training. “The flexibility is coming back. I hope nothing develops between now and spring training.’’
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Sabathia said he won’t throw a baseball until after Christmas, which is his normal program every offseason.
With nothing to do but exercise and receive treatment, the staff ace is playing the role of a recruiter and his top target is Andy Pettitte.
“I have been lobbying hard to get [Pettitte] to come back,’’ Sabathia said.
Asked if he had an idea if Pettitte will return or retire again, Sabathia said the fellow lefty hadn’t shared that with him.
“I know he is hanging out with his family and enjoying the time right now,’’ Sabathia said. “It’s not time to put the full-court press on yet.’’
Though Sabathia has been in touch with Derek Jeter and Pettitte, the text messages have little to do with their profession.
“When I talk to these guys we never talk about baseball. It’s always me giving [Jeter] a jab about Michigan [football] and him texting me about the Raiders losing, which is every week,’’ said Sabathia, a Raiders fan.
* Robinson Cano was named a finalist for the 2012 AL MVP award last night on MLB Network.