Big Z Focused??????
by jballgame on Mar 17, 2010 5:33 PM CDT
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This by Melissa Isaacson at ESPN Chicago. I know many of you will say "I've heard this before..........". A couple of interesting points in the story. He's 15 lbs lighter. He has a greater sense of accountability. This was the first offseason he stayed in Chicago and subsequently realized that his 3 girls are growing up, and he needs to represent himself better during games especially when they are watching. He also is apparently moving away from the cutter and working more on his slider.
Apparently, Rothschild urged Z to lose weight in order to improve his delivery, potentially avoid minor injuries that put him on the DL, and improve his pitching stamina during games. Only time will tell, but this story, at worst, means nothing, and at best, means we may see an improved Big Z this year, which the team sorely needs.
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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Yawn.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
by dtpollitt on Mar 17, 2010 6:09 PM CDT via mobile reply actions
Well, you're right.
We have heard this before.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
I know........
I posted this just to see what the reactions would be……….is it all the same Al? Or is there “new information” in the story that may be overshadowed by skepticism?
I don't really see anything new there.
It’s all good, though, I think Z seems more focused. Being in better shape can’t hurt. He’s still young — he’ll be 29 in June. Time for him to step up.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
And this just in...
…Brett Favre may or may not retire this year.
"75 wins is optimistic with this staff. Optimistic." and "Cubs are looking at 4th place in 2010." BLou, March 17, 2010.
Zambrano needs to deliver on the mound, not with his mouth or his bat or hit antics
Joe McGrane said it best….Carlos Zambrano achieves the least with the most in comparison to any upper shelf talented pitcher in baseball.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
needs to deliver on the mound? are you freakin' kidding me?
Carlos is an Ace pitcher & a horse. It’s time people start to realize that despite Z’s antics, he is one of the best pitchers in the modern era. I know that won’t be good enough for you & others…. but it’s the TRUTH.
I'm a truth teller, I'm a risk taker, I'm like Johnny Cash - I walk the line...
by Jimmyeatworld on Mar 18, 2010 12:00 AM CDT up reply actions
One of the best of the modern era is pushing it a little, don't you think?
I love Big Z, but let’s be realistic. Having said that, there is no doubt that he is one of the most talented pitchers in all of baseball, and should be one of the best, possibly THE best. But if you want to talk about the TRUTH, he has not been one of the best. The talent is there, the ability is there, and the desire is there, so I’m not going to sit here and try to explain why he has not achieved what we all know he can. But if I had to attribute it to one thing, I’d go right to the title of this thread: Focus. When you get past all the antics, and all the BS, I honestly think that’s the only thing he has really lacked.
"Don't complain to me about the stormy weather, boys. Just bring the ship into port." --Steve Stone, September 2004
Z has been described as a very good No. 2 pitcher
But not a great No. 1. I think that’s appropriate.
Carlos Zambrano is...
A. A workhorse
B. A significant underachiever
I don’t think there is any doubt about either point. Joe McGrane is right on the money in his assessment.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
I actually agree........
With your bold type comments.
Blah, blah, blah...
What would spring training be without the annual announcement of Carlos Zambrano’s renewed commitment…new maturity, etc., etc,, etc.?
Nothing new to see here. Move on.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Mar 17, 2010 10:42 PM CDT reply actions
I'm always glad to see a player talk the talk.
Now he just needs to walk the walk.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
Had he talked about his kids before?
Frankly, that is encouraging to me.
Sorry to take a dump in the punchbowl...
But I was watching Dave Van Dyck on Chicago Tribune Live a few weeks ago and he was talking about having basically that exact conversation with Z. last spring where he talked VERY convincingly about becoming a better example for his kids, etc. Van Dyck said that it all sounded great, etc. Of course we all know how it turned out.
by bluekoolaide on Mar 18, 2010 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Zambrano likes to think he is smarter than he is
…and that he can readily manipulate the media, fans and his coaches and teammates to his own means. He’s very naive in that regard. It’s part of his immaturity complex that I doubt he will ever grow out of.
Zambrano is definitely a valuable pitcher. A workhorse who gobbles up innings and stays healthy is invaluable. But he isn’t a frontline starting pitcher on a great team. And he certainly is overpaid for what he delivers. But the Cubs have lots of headaches and problems, and his rank on that list is relatively low all things considered.
The Blackhawks and the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Always get excited about these things...
Even if it is repeated…
I used to like reading reactions to posts on here until people starting hating on everything posted. Even when I tried to post an idea once I was criticized…
Too tough of a crowd for sugar loaf. Not worth reading anymore…
Me thinks...
…the mental approach you have seen from Z in previous years, will be what you will see from him the rest of his career.
If he hasn’t changed by now, there is a reason why – he is who he is.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
z is
always focused in the spring.by summer he will be beating down coolers,ejecting umpires,and whatever other tantrums he throws. part of his charm.
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