I think it's a non-factor unless...

So the Milwaukee Brewers landed CC Sabathia...by the way, he officially dropped the periods between C.C. now that he is a Brewer. I guess a new start, a new beginning. Whatever.

Anyway, I know I am late in the game to write about this. Call me busy, call me lazy. But I wanted to chime in about my thoughts.

Personally I think this trade is a non factor for the Cubs. First of all, the Brewers did unload some great minor league talent. I know the odds of minor leaguers becoming studs at the MLB level is always low, but from what I understand of LaPorta and the others, is that there is a real chance of them becoming serviceable or great MLB players. In addition, I am eagerly anticipating the PTBNL. I've read every rumor from JJ Hardy to Corey Hart, to other minor leaguers. You can bet it won't be Braun, Fielder, Weeks, or Sheets though. If the Brewers were to also lose Hardy or Hart, then I think they are definitely morons to do the deal. But I digress.

There are only four situations I can think of where this trade becomes a real downer for the Cubs.

1. Ben Sheets miraculously stays healthy. Based on the odds posted at Thunder Matt's Saloon (whom I trust exclusively), Sheets is just a week or two away from his classic shoulder or forearm injury. How classic would that be? Welcome CC Sabathia...oh crap, Sheets is hurt again. The 1-2 punch of Sheets and Sabathia would be formidable if the Cubs face them in the playoffs or down the stretch.

2. Sabathia destroys the Cubs in H2H play. It's been well documented by statisticians and bloggers that at best, Sabathia brings the Brewers an extra 3-4 wins over the alternatives to CC. That is assuming the bullpen doesn't also blow a handful of his games (which I bet they do). However, the Cubs have a ton of games versus Milwaukee in the 2nd half. If a few of those wins are in H2H play vs the Cubs, then it could have an impact on the standings. Nonetheless, if the Cubs take care of their own business, I still think we make the playoffs regardless of what CC does.

3. The Cubs do not trade for another serviceable starting pitcher. The rumors are flying regarding Rich Harden, Gil Meche, Randy Wolf, Zack Greinke, among others. If the Cubs do not end up making a move for another starter, then I would be concerned facing Sheets and CC back to back down the stretch or in the NLCS...but I think there are huge odds of the Cubs getting someone to improve the starting rotation. Webb and Haren still scare me more than Sheets and CC.

4. The Cubs get into a dark alley fight against the Brewers. I'd take the odds of the two guys below in a brawl vs Theriot and Fontenot....can you imagine? Punch and run quick Theriot! Use your speed!