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The New York Yankees gave ace left-hander CC Sabathia a renegotiated deal this offseason that will keep him in the Bronx through 2017, but it wasn’t a decision that they took lightly. At 6’6” and a listed weight of 290 pounds, Sabathia is biggest pitcher in baseball. But his fitness level had become a cause for concern last season, as he gained noticeable weight as the year went on, coinciding with a drop in production. Sabathia admitted to putting on 10-15 over the course of the 2011 season, which may have had something to do with his ERA in August and September jumping to 4.06 while opposing hitters batting .316 against him.

But after having a constructive conversation with GM Brian Cashman and the rest of the Yankees brass during the contract talks, Sabathia worked on shedding much of that extra weight, and arrived in Tampa for Spring Training over the weekend looking noticeably thinner in both the gut and the face. If he is able to keep it off this time, it could mean the difference between a long playoff run and a first-round exit, the likes of which they experienced last year.

“I have to make sure I do the right thing on the road and eat the right things in the clubhouse,” Sabathia said. “I have to make sure I get in the same routine and maintain it the whole season. It's up to me to maintain.”

Sabathia should have less pressure on him this season after the Yanks made several moves to bolster their starting pitching, trading for youngster Michael Pineda, signing veteran Hiroki Kuroda, and jettisoning AJ Burnett. But despite the improved ranks behind him, Sabathia is still the key to the Yankees pitching, and likely the most important player on the entire team. So keeping him healthy and fit is in everyone’s best interest; the team has certainly invested enough in him.