CC is already throwing, but redemption is a long, long road.

Gammonitic reports out of Fortress Tampa say that CC Sabathia has begun throwing off a flat surface - (rather than throwing up off it.) That he is starting three weeks ahead of schedule offers a nice symmetry, because he fell apart last season with three weeks left in October. And the sting of that betrayal still weighs on every bubbly news report.

Listen: We're all rooting for CC to put his demons behind him and have one last great year. (Two great years would be even nicer, but let's not be greedy.) A season with - say - 18 wins and an ERA below 3.50? I'd take it in a heartbeat. One last run as an ace. Too much to ask? Probably. Too much to expect? Definitely.

Over the last four years, we have seen CC attempt to resurrect himself by 1) losing a vast quantity of weight, 2) gaining that weight back, 3) becoming a finesse pitcher, 4) using new knee braces and 5) drinking away the pain. Now and then, he's pitched well - always in advance of the next collapse. He's not getting younger. When Food Stamps Steinbrenner grumbles about waiting for the dead wood contracts to end, he doesn't have to name names. Everyone knows...

I don't doubt Sabathia's work ethic, leadership qualities, competive nature and fine personality. But in my life as a fan, I don't recall a Yankee walking away from his team on the day before the post-season, and certainly not because of booze. I can only imagine how horrible his life must have been for such a scenario to come about. Talking about hitting rock bottom? He must have burrowed into the dirt.

Well, let's be glad that he's throwing, and that the Yankees seem to be sticking with him. But whatever we get from the guy is gravy. He should be considered the fifth starter, if that. As far as I'm concerned, Sabathia must win back every shred of respect he once had, because he squandered last season. Three weeks ahead of schedule? Great. It's a start. He has a long, long way to go.