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Way back in the early 1980's these syndromes were already so well-understood that we had a name for them, the "career transition."
I like your comparison too for the fact that --- > Sabathia hasn't needed a full-blown bounceback to pre-transition form, 97 MPH and all the trimmings, and has instead worked the 115-120 ERA territory based on Grade B stuff and a comprehensive feel for the game.
Can't even count the 96-MPH pitchers whose stuff deteriorated, but whose 96-to-90 trek bought them the time needed to figure out their own ways to get hitters out.
Good stuff 'Rain. :- )