Big Z and the Home Run Derby?

by Little Rock Ryno Fan on May 21, 2008 8:35 PM CDT

I swear I heard this rumour--or fact--this past weekend. Carlos Zambrano is to be involved in the All Star Game's Home Run Derby and not tossing those soft balls to potential champions. Granted that boy can pitch and he can swing a mighty bat, as a switch hitter, but really? Really?

I could be completely wrong, but I thought I'd heard that intimation either on Fox or ESPN. I'm guessing there has never been a pitcher in the competition. Has there? But, boy would it be fun, wildly emotional, and certainly entertaining!

Is he the silver slugger? Goodness! Someone set me right! Big Z? Whadd'ya think?

--t.

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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I hope not.

"I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying" - Michael Jordan, the one and only...

by LPLancer23 on May 21, 2008 8:55 PM CDT reply actions

Nope. Cubs management wont allow it.

But I did hear Tyler Hansbrough will be in it.

"He's been known to cure narcolepsy just by walking into a room. His organ donation card also lists his beard. He's a lover, not a fighter. But he's also a fighter so don't get any ideas. He is....The Most Interesting Man in the World.

by Keystone80435 on May 21, 2008 9:41 PM CDT reply actions

What is the point of these posts?

Why do you have to keep mentioning this name? Honestly, I’m tired of it.

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

by Al Yellon on May 21, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions

I don't get it?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on May 21, 2008 11:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Use the search feature...

and see the repetitive mentioning of TH by Keystone…he’s got a mancrush…and the only cure is more Tyler Hansbrough.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2008 11:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Right..

I think there’s some guy at the Cardinals or Padres site who just HAS to mention cows or something to do with cows in every single comment. Maybe he have a cowcrush?

"Whoever wants to know the heart and mind of America had better learn baseball." - Jacque Barzun

by Bump Bailey on May 22, 2008 12:32 AM CDT up reply actions

The MooCow at Viva El Birdos is who you're thinking of.

Here’s a sampling:

Oh I Agree… ..... that he’s doing well, far better than anyone would have expected, I’m just not ready to assign him the #2 slot in this rotation – maybe if he cowtinues at this pace and wins 15 games for us. Frankly, I hope he does become an established #2, that only makes our team stronger. I’m just saying it’s too early for me to give him moore accolades than saying he established himself as a strong MOR candidate. I hope he gets moore run support soon.

Cowtinues. Seriously.

I has a blog.

by cwyers on May 22, 2008 1:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Has he tried more cow bell?

Calm down.

by Kinky Reggae on May 22, 2008 8:46 AM CDT up reply actions

It's not the All-Star Game HR Derby.

It’s the HR Derby at the Hall of Fame game in Cooperstown.

Why not?

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

by Al Yellon on May 21, 2008 9:55 PM CDT reply actions

Duh!

That’s what I get for not paying attention to Fox or ESPN—not that they deserve it.

GEAUX FONTENOT!

by Little Rock Ryno Fan on May 21, 2008 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Why Not?

Edmonds fall off in power can be directly related back to his home run derby showing about 3 years ago. He hurt his SHOULDER in that home run derby and has never been the same sense. How about Zambrano hurting his SHOULDER?

by BigFuko on May 22, 2008 6:58 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the home run derby is a red herring...

Edmonds’ HR power has steadily declined over the past few years. If it were related to a HR derby, you’d think he’d have just completely stopped hitting them altogether (like Bobby Abreu). I’d argue that Edmonds’ HR decline is more related to his age and natural decline in bat speed.

by SouthernCub on May 22, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions

I really fail to see why people take issue...

...with Z doing what’s essentially televised batting practice. At least this way you keep him away from the fungoes!

I has a blog.

by cwyers on May 21, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions

Because Z

has a wildly, yet controlled, swing. Add that with all the people watching hes liable to rip a rib.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

What, because he swings by himself in game situations?

I has a blog.

by cwyers on May 22, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions

3-4 swings a couple times a game

is different than a home run derby. I dont know why you would want arguably the Cubs biggest assest anywhere near a homerun derby…....

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 22, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions

maybe in his nightmares

just him… a pitching machine… and Jim Edmonds in the bleachers, yelling “Hey, batta batta batta batta!”

2008: The year we put it all together.

by drewishdrewid on May 22, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm against it

by californiachicagoan on May 21, 2008 10:07 PM CDT reply actions

Let the young guys do it

Let Braun, Fielder and even Soto enjoy HR derby, Big Z shouldn’t do it.

by ak123 on May 21, 2008 10:28 PM CDT reply actions

No way...

...the Cubs let Zambrano go up there and hack away and end up pulling something.

It just won’t happen.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on May 21, 2008 10:42 PM CDT reply actions

How would that be any different than BP?

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on May 21, 2008 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions

How is a home run derby different that BP?

Is that rhetorical? I think you could answer that yourself.

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on May 22, 2008 8:48 AM CDT up reply actions

I just mean

as far as being a threat to injury. The difference is very mild. This is an entertainment industry after all.

"I'm petrified of nipple chafing. Once it starts, it's a vicious circle." Andy Bernard

by TXCub on May 22, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Lou seemed benign about it

I don’t have a direct source except that the Trib reported him making a vaguely bemused remark about Z participating.

It's fun to be a Cub right now. -- Mark DeRosa

by Emelie on May 23, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't want him to...

because taking those massive rips at easy BP fastballs and trying to crank them out every time might mess up his swing for the second half.

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on May 21, 2008 11:26 PM CDT reply actions

I'm all for...

Zambrano taking pride in his hitting, but in his last start it got in the way of what was more important…....his pitching.

by montecarlo on May 22, 2008 2:33 AM CDT reply actions

I would prefer Carlos NOT participate in an event like this.

And if he’s taking big rips in BP, Lou and the coaches should be advising Z to take it easy. I realize that trying to contain his enthusiasm for hitting is like trying to hold back the ocean with a broom, but every effort should be made to minimize his injury risks. Then again, it’s really easy to say all this in a comment on a blog —it’s probably a lot harder to say it to Z’s face.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

Oh, and remember, folks: Alfonso Soriano is NOT batting leadoff. He's batting first.

by daver on May 22, 2008 9:12 AM CDT reply actions