Patience: It's a good thing, I promise.

Who all has been disappointed with CC Sabathia and Mark Teixeira so far this year? I know I have been. I wish CC was pitching like he did in Milwaulkee, and I wish Tex was hitting like he was in Anaheim, but neither of them are doing what we were expecting. But is that reason for concern? Let's see...

Let's look at CC first. I'm just going to look at his April starts, so not his start today.
CC pitched 32.1 innings over 5 starts to the tune of a 4.73 ERA. He walked 14, while striking out 19. And he maintained a GO/AO of 45-30 (1.63). His WHIP was 1.39. He is walking 3.90 hitters per 9 innings, and punching out 5.29 batters per 9 innings. Okay those aren't all star stats. But for his career, CC has 4.54 ERA in April and March, not that much worse than his 4.73 that he has now. For his career, in April and March CC has a 7 K/9 and a 1.39 WHIP. Yes, that is the EXACT SAME WHIP he had this April. Sure those K numbers are down a little, but not enough for concern. CC is a slow starter, and he'll hit his stride soon. So don't worry too much. He's right around his career norm. And hell, at the end of April last year he was 1-4 with a 7.88 ERA, a 1.78 WHIP. Then he went on to have one of the most dominant pitching years in recent history. So, don't worry.

Next up, Mark Teixeira. First, I just want you to remember that in two weeks time he'll have Alex Rodriguez hitting behind him. That kind of protection will give him more pitches to hit. Secondly, despite Tex's abysmal .182 average, he does have a .354 OBP because his batting eye is one of the best in the game. Interestingly, his career average for March/April is .249 and his career OBP for March/April is .349. So he is actually getting on base more this year than usual, he just isn't hitting the ball. Which we can see in his slugging percentage (Mar/Apr career .433 Mar/Apr 09 .338). The good news is that Tex is being smart in the box and drawing walks. Also he's playing a fine first base, so he isn't letting his hitting woes get to him too much. He's going to get better, I'm sure. He'll get protection from A-Rod. He'l start to find his stroke. He'l keep his keen eye. And he'll take advantage of that short porch in right. Let him heat up. He'll be fine, and he'll start to stroke the ball soon. Don't give up hope.