As a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox, I couldn't be happier that C.C. Sabathia is about to leave Cleveland.  Over the course of his career, Sabathia has tortured the White Sox (14-4, 3.65 ERA) and his exiting the division right now is good for the White Sox, who still have a few games left with the Indians this year.

Sabathia is on his way to Milwaukee, where, in exchange for four prospects, he will take up residence for the remainder of the season.  This gives the Brewers three legitimate starting pitchers in Ben Sheets, Manny Parra and Sabathia and one serviceable starter in Jeff Suppan.  They also have Seth McClung who has pitched surprisingly well for Milwaukee this year.  The odd man out is righty Dave Bush, and most Brewer fans will tell you that's no big loss the way he's been lit up all year.

But, as excited as Milwaukee fans may be, there are several questions which arise from this trade that need to be asked.

• Is there any chance of re-signing Sabathia after the season or is this a rental?  It is likely that the Brewers will lose ace Ben Sheets after the season and most likely Sabathia too.  So, this would have to be described as a do or die move for the Brewers.
• Can the Brewers overcome the Cubs and Cardinals and make the playoffs? The Brewers have tied the Cardinals and are 3½ games behind the Cubs.  The Cubs are rumored to be in the running for pitcher Rich Harden, which is great if you like starters that last only six innings.  The Brewers lead the wildcard race right now.  With the talent the Cubs have, the wildcard is probably the Brewers best shot.
• How good is Matt LaPortia, the primary prospect in the trade?  He's really good. Last month, the Brewers minor league player of the month hit .381 with two homers and 24 RBIs in 26 games. 
  
• How does this trade affect the Brewers in the future? If you believe that the future is now for the Brewers, then it's a great trade.  LaPortia, who also plays first, could have been used as insurance if arbitration with Prince Fielder got dicey (Scott Boras is his agent.  Any questions?)  Fielder may have been used as trade bait to fill other holes, notably starting pitching, especially after this season.  Overall, the Brewers future is a bit cloudy with the probable exits of Sheets, Sabathia, Suppan and Mike Cameron.  The Brewers will also have to address what to do with unhappy utility player Billy Hall and Fielder.  As young and talented as this team is, this may be the only year the cosmic tumblers align to give them a shot at a playoff run. The best thing about the trade is that it won't cost the Brewers much pitching, which they will need for next year.
  
• Are the Brewers now an elite team?  Yes and no.  Certainly if Parra and McClung pitch well down the stretch, their starting pitching is as good as anyone's in the NL with the addition of Sabathia.  Offensively, they have been inconsistent but have a bona fide bat at every position and some key guys off the bench who can also hit.  Their biggest liability is their bullpen, which has cost them several games this year.
• Can the Brewers afford to take on any more trades?  Probably.  Owner Mark Antiasio is an astute enough businessman to know that winning now sells tickets later.  Plus, he really seems like he wants to win.  The Brewers need to find a team that's out of it and raid their bullpen.