Zambrano, White Sox fan, future Sox pitcher?

by DrCrawdad on Mar 18, 2008 11:53 PM CDT Comment 52 comments

'I told my family and my friends that before my career ends, I want to play for the White Sox. Right now, my priority is helping this club. That's what I am trying to do. But I used to be, when I was growing up, I was a White Sox fan. But every time I say that, the Chicago Cubs fans get jealous and pissed off.'' - Carlos Zambrano, as quoted in the Sun-Times, March 16, 2008

And with that comment, the heads of many Cubbie fans explode!

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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funny stuff. reminds me of when Gary Gaetti saying he'd play for the Cubs for free.

I'm drunk......and it shows.....

by Keystone80435 on Mar 18, 2008 11:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Zambrano

is a Venezuelan Charles Barkley. He just says the first thing that comes into his mouth and forgets it by tomorrow. I doubt anyone is going to get upset by this. If he really wanted to play for the White Sox, he could have not signed his big contract extension last year and just signed with them as a free agent.

Try again.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on Mar 19, 2008 12:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His comments...

... Zambrano is the one who made the comments. The Sox will undoubtedly get Zambrano...when he's 40 years old - a raving lunatic old player who can't pitch any longer.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have no idea what you're talking about

Of course Zambrano made the comment. Why do you think I don't think that? My point is that Zambrano has verbal diarrhea and every Cub fan knows it and adjusts their attitude accordingly.

No one's head will explode.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on Mar 19, 2008 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ring of truth...

... it's certainly within the bounds of reason to think Zambrano might have grown up a Sox fan. I'd imagine that he was a fan of Ozzie Guillen and who knows he would probably have heard of fellow countryman, former the great "Little Louie" Luis Aparicio. So, I don't think Zambrano was simply letting go "verbal diarrhea" in this situation.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 12:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm completely comfortable with the fact that...

...most of the people in the organization - players, scouts, managers - grew up as fans of some other team. And I don't really mind that someone is occasionally honest about it.

That said, I don't see Zambrano going to the White Sox - he enjoys hitting too much to go to an AL club. So... whatever.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it doesn't bother me

just about every player, manager, coach and executive in this game grew up as rabid baseball fans just like us. Either way we already knew Z loves Chicago and wants to win a World Series for the Cubs as much as everybody else on the team.

P.S. i think the Barkley analogy fits very well... and i don't are, 'cuz Barkley's always entertaining.

by Petrie000 on Mar 19, 2008 2:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever, Dude

Go have fun with whatever point you're trying to make.

It's a girl! Born 1-18-08. 2246 PST. 8 lbs. 1 oz.

by Josh77 on Mar 19, 2008 3:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I were a Sox fan,

I'd be much more concerned about who was in my pitching rotation this season and far less concerned about which current Cub pitcher was going to pitch in my rotation in 7-8 years.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 19, 2008 1:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And the Cubbies rotation...

... is just so solid after Zambrano.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh

always great to see the good doctor and his invasive procedures.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 19, 2008 8:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gavin Floyd

is in your rotation. That means it's bad.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 19, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jon Lieber

is in your rotation. That means old and bad.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lookin forward to you eatin those words doc...

have you even watched him throw this spring big man?

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 19, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's the thing...

I don't wish Jon Lieber to do poorly. I'll be happy for him if he does well. However, the last two years he's been bad, injured or some combination thereof. Considering the facts of his recent past couple years and the fact that he's gonna be 38 years old, I wouldn't hold out much hope for him.

Of course should the Sox pitching staff do well, Varsho will follow his pattern of turning the table, posting personal attacks and then running away when confronted with facts.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We can always choose to go by the "past couple years"

but why not look at his performance as of late? He says that he feels good, he is throwing great, not to mention that his injury last year was not even to his arm/shoulder. The guy runs like an ox but he appears to be on track for a nice rebound.

Can speak to the Sox rotation, not all that impressed but what did you expect?

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 19, 2008 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't speak to....not Can speak to....

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 19, 2008 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spring training...

Is what it is. When a player does poorly, fans dismiss it as meaningless spring training but when a guy does well fans point to it as proof of the player being good.

I say that, not against the Cubbies, 'cos it happens on both ends of town and probably all thru baseball.

The Sox recent signee, Alexei Ramirez, has had a great ST. I sure hope it's a prelude to a strong season. But, if he flops in the regular season who cares about ST?

In the end, it only matters what you do in the regular season.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

I can only speak for myself but my concerns about Rich Hill's performance most certainly will extend into the reg season. Alexei Ramirez, IMO, was a great pickup and I think he will prove to be a stellar player.

I also think it depends. For a pitcher like Lieber, who has been struggling over the past couple years, his ST performance is very important. Just as Kerry Wood's tight back is important. It signifies a potential problem with durability. John Lieber has pitched extremely well.

I think your statement is more valid for the first week of ST. Once we get into the third week, and a pitcher has faced minor and major leaguers who have been hitting for a few weeks, it is easier to feel confident in a good couple of showings.

Of course, pitchers are trying new pitches, pitchers are young, but Lieber is someone who has been around for a while and has been a GREAT pitcher in the past. I believe you are wrong about our ability to predict (somewhat) a players performance by the first three weeks in ST.

Same reason I am a bit concerned about DLee.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 20, 2008 8:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

About Rich Hill...

... keep in mind, his bread & butter pitch is his curve. Curves don't break in the thin AZ air like they do in Chicago. Hill had a bad spring last year, too. I wouldn't worry about him.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 20, 2008 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hear ya Al,

I just wish he was a more consistent pitcher. I know he is young, and has time to develop this but it has just stood out this spring...and last spring....and....

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 20, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two Words.

Jose Contreras.

"I've always felt that starting pitching is the most important part of the rotation." - Joe Morgan, Sunday Night Baseball 8-12-07

by gary varsho on Mar 19, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two Words.

Rich Hill

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 20, 2008 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Two words..

flying leap.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 21, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why fly?

Rich Hill or Jose Contreras, which is having the suckiest spring training? Rich Hill by far.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 22, 2008 1:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why fly?

I want to make sure you don't hit any soft ledges on the way down...did you really have to ask?

As for Rich Hill and Contreras...c'mon, didn't this happen last year? Who was a better pitcher last year? That should be an easy enough question for you.

Yes, Hill is struggling which has even made me nervous...but not in asking who will be the better pitcher, that question is a laugh IMO.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 22, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mirror, mirror...

It's not a head-to-head match-up, but if someone is going to keep belching comments about the Sox pitching staff, well then let's compare.

Rich Hill should give the Cubbies and Cubbie fans concern, he's been terrible this spring worse than Contreras, worse than Floyd of the Sox.

And as I said, after Zambrano the Cubbies staff is a series of questions. IF you're gonna compare the Sox well the Sox have two of the top AL starters - Buehrle and Vazquez.

Sure Contreras is a key and a big question. But as a Sox fan, I'm very confident in Danks and I think Floyd will be fine in the fifth starters role.

The big thing in favor of any Cubbie starter though is that they get to pitch in the weakest division in the weaker league in baseball. Great for the regular season, but the weakest link Cubbies got exposed in the post-season.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 22, 2008 2:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mirror mirror my ass...

you brought up Hill and said Contreras was doing better this ST.

I simply asked a legitimate question...which you chose not to answer.

Let me make it a bit clearer...

Who sucked ass last year and who pitched pretty damn well for a fairly new pitcher?

Allow me to give you your answer. Contreras looked like shit last year and you know it. Hill...looked pretty damn good. Yes, ST has not been great so far, and I am the first to say it scares me a bot. If you were to ask me who I want in my rotation given the last few years and each pitchers ability to get better. Well, there is no question IMO. And as for the rest of the Sox rotation, you "think" Floyd will be fine in the 5 spot and you are "confident" in Danks. Okay pal, you forget who you are talking to here?

We are Cub fans, we know all about "IF"s. Good luck with all that hope!

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 22, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who has a Championship ring?

n/t

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 22, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahhh what a GD pussy you are!

Nice comeback you tool. Keep holding tight to that one south side. The Sox have and will suck for a long time. So as long as that comeback makes you feel better, well, enjoy.

Oh by the way, how did your boy Danks do today?

"I have confidence in Danks"...HA! Then again, the Royals are a pretty solid team. Oh and before you waste out time with a ST record check, I'll just say, check back during the regular season. Until then, stick with the rest of the trash huh?

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 23, 2008 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personal attacks...

...the last refuge for the coward.

Keep holding tight to that (the World Championship) one south side.

Ah, but a championship is what it's all about and I'll wag that in the face of every loudmouth Cubbie fan I run into.

Hey, hold tight to that attendance championship.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 25, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahh yes, personal attacks...

trust me you would know my personal attacks as you have so many flaws and weaknesses I could prey upon.

If you see "south side" as a personal attack, then you have some of your own demons to wrestle with. Not that I disagree with you on that as being an insult.

Oh and yes, I have often been quoted as giving a shit about attendance records.

The best part aboutyou is with every post you make, you appear more and more pathetic and the whole discussion becomes more and more entertaining...south side.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 27, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does this count as a personal attack?

Ahhh what a GD pussy you are!

Oh, and that "C" on the Cubbie hat, is that a Roman numeral?

"The championship pennants, oh long may they wave - O'er the grounds of the Sox and the Cubs gloomy grave." - 1906 Chicago Daily News

by DrCrawdad on Mar 27, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I prefer to call that

my poetic side. As for you, I'd say I am spot on!

Wow, yeah that must a roman numeral...that is brilliant south side.

Damn Nutrisystem...I'm freakin dyin for some Italian beef!

by Kinky Reggae on Mar 27, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Troll.

Troll troll troll troll troll troll troll.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on Mar 19, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was in hiding but I found him

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 19, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right said, Rick...

The Trib's Rick Morrisey is spot-on with this column today:

What, pray tell, about the Cubs' starting rotation? The starting rotation that is mostly intact from last season, the starting rotation that was fine but not dominant or fear-inducing? When did that rotation suddenly become a strength of this ballclub—or at least a non-concern? Cubs fans, your 2008 rotation appears to be Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, Rich Hill and Jon Lieber. And you're worried about who's going to play center field?

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 21, 2008 7:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You lose

I was following this exchange with interest but I fear it's over now.

You know the old saying... the first one to quote Rick Morrisey (or Jay Mariotti, Mike Downey, or Gordon Wittenmyer) loses the argument.

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Mar 21, 2008 8:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Hear, hear! When your secret weapon is Morrisey....

Alan Trammell: Assistant (to the) Manager

by northsider on Mar 21, 2008 11:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Include many Cubbie fans here then...

...when they've quoted Moronetti here on this board. IIRC Yellon has quoted Jay here.

Cover yourself with a blanket dismissal because it's easier than discussing the actual points.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 22, 2008 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And the fun begins...

with people from rival sites being able to clog up our "fanposts."

by ams05g on Mar 19, 2008 5:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That was my thoughts exactly.... why even give sox fan the satifation of us responding. maybe if we ignore him there will be less posts and less people apt to read it. that will piss the rival site members even more !!!

by Madison Cub Fan on Mar 19, 2008 6:25 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Unfortunately for the Sox

Jose Contreras, Gavin Floyd, John Danks, and Mike MacDougal all grew up as Sox fans, too, and they got their wish.

by davidalanu on Mar 19, 2008 6:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good point!

And funny too!

I thought Zambrano's comment was funny. And as I mentioned, no doubt Zambrano will become a Sox pitcher...when he's old & rag armed he'll be wearing a Sox uniform.

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heres my view

If I was a major league ballplayer tomorrow----lets say I was on the Angels, if they asked I would tell the truth that I was a diehard Cub fan. BUT that doesnt mean I wouldnt bust my ass for my team.

Unlike Barry Bonds, I have a conscience

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry "I strongly dislike Steve Stone." ---Hammer

by Hammer on Mar 19, 2008 8:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

That's all this is. Nothing to worry about, fear, or even care about.

from one '08 to another...it's gotta happen...

by neverAcquiesce on Mar 19, 2008 9:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

LMAO

n/t

If It Takes Forever ....

by wrigley1 on Mar 19, 2008 10:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

And wasn't Buehrle supposed to pitch for the Cards?

Old Style is the nectar of life.

by Mordecai on Mar 19, 2008 10:10 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I read this a few days ago...

...grimaced, and moved on. As others have pointed out, Big Z is Big Z. He can say whatever he wants. And, hey, if he really wants to end his career with the White Sox, so be it. He'll be about the same age as Jose Contreras is right now. No, I mean Jose's real age.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by dat cubfan daver on Mar 19, 2008 10:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

65?

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al on Mar 19, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"That's just Z being Z"

Zambrano and Ozzie Guillen are Venezuelans with strong ties. Perhaps it's natural to think he would like to play for Ozzie someday.

by MDBNIU on Mar 19, 2008 12:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Let's lighten the tone...

http://wgntv.trb.com/news/local/morningnews/

Then click on, "Let’s be Frank w/Skip Parker"

"...the Sox ... may be even more marginal after the Cubs win the 2007 World Series." - Cubbie fan "Joe Alberti" as posted in the White Sox NG on 9/21/2007.

by DrCrawdad on Mar 19, 2008 7:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs