Yankees News: CC Sabathia Adjusting To New Leadership Role

The New York Yankees are counting on star pitcher CC Sabathia to have a big year, but he's taken it upon himself to fill the leadership role left open by Derek Jeter's retirement. While no one can possibly replace Jeter as captain of the Yankees, it's clear Sabathia has the respect of everyone in the clubhouse.

“I personally think that CC is the ace of the New York Yankees," said Masahiro Tanaka. "I’ve only done just a year, last year, 20 games (in the major leagues). I don’t look at myself as an ace for the New York Yankees. Reaching that ace figure takes time, and you have to perform at a certain level for a long period of time, and CC has been doing that.”

“I think about some of the most approachable people that I ever met who were superstars,” manager Joe Girardi echoed. “Yogi, Mo, and CC’s there. You would never know CC’s done anything in the game. He would never tell you. He doesn’t give that air off. He’s a guy that likes to be around his buddies and have fun and compete, but there’s no entourage. It’s just a normal guy. He’s a good family man and loves his kids, and I think guys really respect that.”

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