Carlos Zambrano 'In Best Shape Of His Life'
Stop me if you've heard this before. Written by me for Baseball Nation.
5 months ago
Al Yellon
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won't get fooled again?
WWOZ.org - New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Station
by Gibbon Jockey on Dec 14, 2011 2:36 PM CST up reply actions
YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Dec 14, 2011 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Awesome.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
NOMINATED best post cartoon of 2011
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
No reason not to
wait and see what he actually DOES. I don’t give two farts for what he says.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
So you'll believe that the seventh time, he'll actually do what he says?
chilango2 is correct.
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So you have no confidence in TheoJedDale to correctly assess and evaluate the situation?
and then take the appropriate action?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Yes, actually, I do.
Which is why my feeling is that all of this is to boost Z’s trade value.
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No news from Deep Goat?
Or did DP not survive the housecleaning this past offseason?
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 14, 2011 2:38 PM CST up reply actions
Jimbo for one
Fess up – he was your deep goat
by doofus cubs guy on Dec 14, 2011 4:35 PM CST up reply actions
he's on the team
he’s unlikely to go anywhere. You can treat him as a sunk cost, or you can treat him like a valuable asset that needs assistance. If he fails again, I won’t be surprised, but I’m always an advocate of additional chances.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 14, 2011 3:16 PM CST up reply actions
some people are always going to be a big fan of his
regardless of how he behaves
The Stat Pack
by shoemile on Oct 21, 2011 10:10 PM CDT
by Madison Cub Fan on Dec 14, 2011 9:27 PM CST up reply actions
I don't have a problem with someone not believing it, because I don't believe it...
But we at least need to wait and see, no?
THEO!
by wrigleyrocker12 on Dec 14, 2011 5:48 PM CST up reply actions
I believe some people believe it...
…but I also believe my beliefs aren’t going to be based on what others may believe or may not believe.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
Yeah, and when he says he's a changed ballplayer, without the attitude?
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 15, 2011 11:21 AM CST up reply actions
Does that mean the retirement sale
for the “We Stinkz!” shirt is over?
All I know
is that I would rather lick salsa from that ass than see Zambrano in a Cub uniform for one more game.
"It's all in the game, yo"
by Worf on Dec 14, 2011 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
OK, enough of the rude comments.
You’re crossing the line. Clean up your act.
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by Al Yellon on Dec 14, 2011 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Nice article, Al
Really like the “redefining hubris” line.
I think we were all a bit surprised when Theo indicated a willingness to bring Z back. My initial thought was that Theo was trying to rehabilitate Z’s image in an effort to drive up his value and find a willing trade partner.
I’m still not convinced Z is on the Cubs’ opening day roster (or disabled list).
"We gotta circle the bandwagons." - Devin Hester
My initial thought was that Theo was trying to rehabilitate Z’s image in an effort to drive up his value and find a willing trade partner.
I hope this is what is happening.
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Hopefully he has a good 1st half and stays outta trouble
…. then we can trade him b4 the deadline and get some prospects from a contender cuz we wont get shit for him now and we would have to pay his salary anyway
I agree.
People who are open minded about this are going along with Theo. Theo built a world series winner in Boston. And there are probably many things we don’t know about.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 14, 2011 2:12 PM CST up reply actions
Unlike most others here I am rooting for Zambrano to come back and do well. Actually if he comes back in the 1st half and does well his trability is much better. The situation won’t be any worse than it is now.
How much of a clubhouse problem he is is most likely exaggerated by the media. Obviously he doesn’t keep them from winning. I’ve seen people blame him for the Cubs being bad the last 2 seasons. If you do you have to give him credit for the good seasons.
I trust Theo to make the right decision. There are many things under this we don’t know about I’m sure.
I also think Theo and Jed have probably talked to a lot of the players especially guys like Dempster.
Paying him or Soriano just to go away is just silly.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
'trability'?
And, good lord, this is NOT an instance where Zambrano’s problems are exaggerated by the media.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Just remember Al, May 1 and Z is a Cub
You owe to ballpark “entrees”.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
I'm beginning to think you're right, DS.
I’m ready to be done with Z, but I don’t see any way he’s traded. The Marlins were about the only chance we realistically had to get anything back.
We’re going to have to hope that his once-a-season blowup happens after a few good months of pitching — so that when he does inevitably blow up, he’s wearing another uniform.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
What a mess this guy is.
It be one thing if this was his first or second or third or fourth time of being an idiot, but this is what? Who can count. Lets see what happens. If he is a Cub, I hope the hell he pitches really well.
They are trying to create a buyer
That’s all. And, though I risk a flogging, there may be a market just yet for Z. He’s lost a little off the fastball, but, he’s never gone under the knife. There are innings left in him. And, even if they have to hold on to Z until May, eventually someone will kick the tires on him. Injuries for other teams always come into play.
TheoJed are being smart and trying to get something out of Z.
Contact year. Big year from Z
in a Cubs uniform. Book it.
The sun is up. They sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you. Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ~Lennon & McCartney
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 14, 2011 4:41 PM CST reply actions
*contract
The sun is up. They sky is blue. It's beautiful, and so are you. Dear Prudence, won't you come out to play? ~Lennon & McCartney
by SouthWabashSoul on Dec 14, 2011 4:41 PM CST up reply actions
The point is...
… I’m not convinced, because he’s said the same thing so many times before, and it’s never been true.
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I was referring...
to the physical training he’s doing. He’s always said he’s changed, and this year will be different, blah blah blah. But the fact that he’s out there training hard (and playing winter ball) speaks volumes to his dedication. The dude is going to get paid 18 million dollars next year, whether he sits on his ass all winter or whether he busts his ass to get back to where he was before last year. Which was, of course, a good to great starting pitcher every single year of his pro career.
He said and (presumably) did the same thing two winters ago.
Didn’t seem to help.
Point is, I’m VERY skeptical of this claim, because it has been made before.
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i am curious to see if things are different
with new faces in charge, who likely wont take the same crap from him
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Umm... it didn't?
He put up a 3.33 ERA the season after, even with that stupid bullpen stint that Lou tried. I’d say the training helped immensely.
Revisionist history.
The “season after” included the suspension for the Derrek Lee incident. He was lights-out after, true. But I doubt that had anything to do with the offseason training.
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well, following that line of reasoning, what does off-season training have to do with anything?
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Disingenuous.
Of course off-season training is important. It appears that no matter what Zambrano has promised in the past, he has not followed through. Point: why believe him now?
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okay, that's a fair point to argue and is consistent with your original position
I just didn’t see any basis for dismissing the cause-effect relationship that kanderber implied with the (presumably) rigorous off-season training and ensuing 3.33 ERA.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
If he shouts at a player...
in the dugout and puts up a 3.33 ERA this year, I’ll happily take it. As would everyone else who wants the Cubs to win.
by kanderber on Dec 15, 2011 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
1 reason
Theo, Jed, and Sveum explain to him a few weeks ago
“look, you want to play baseball for the Cubs or any other team this season, here is what you have to do…..” which included being in shape. His comfort zone is gone with Hendry and others out and a new regime in.
Not saying it will make him respond different, but it allows for a slight bit of hope
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Agreed
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 16, 2011 8:48 AM CST up reply actions
Please confirm sarcasm.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
I've heard this before....
Author at Acme Packing Company, SB Nation's Green Bay Packers blog.
State high point count: 4/50
If you are grouchy, irritable, or just plain mean, there will be a $10 charge for putting up with you.
by Vermont Cubs Fan on Dec 15, 2011 11:22 AM CST reply actions
The obvious question is;
….why kind of shape is he in emotionally?
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Good question.
I think we’d all feel a lot more confident in Z if he gave us a quote talking about how he’s keeping up with his therapy, maybe doing some meditation exercises, a bit of yoga here and there…somethin’. It’s already fairly safe to assume he’s in decent playing shape if he’s pitching every fifth day in Venezuela.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
We all are wringing our hands over z...
But I’ll bet you he doesn’t act crazy, and has one of, if not the best year of his career.
Know why? Contract year. It’s sad, but it’s pretty standard anymore. Demp had an awesome contract year, rami likewise. How many times are gms going to fall for it?
I say let him pitch. If he does act stupid, cut him. It’s not like we will get much back anyways.
They both (stats & bikinis) show a lot, but not everything. - Infielder Toby Harrah
Poster formerly known as Wrigster.
I don't see...
…being the same pitcher he was early on in his career when he would have dominant games.
He has lost both movement and velocity on his fastball and his emotional issues, have him losing his command too often. Even if he head is together, his stuff is just not as good as it once was, but he could win you 13-14 games if he keeps his head on straight.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
He is no longer a strikeout pitcher.
He still has enough movement on the ball to induce a lot of groundouts though. He can be a really good pitcher if he can keep his head on straight. Losing that 6MPH might be a really good thing if it causes him to actually pitch instead of trying to throw the ball by everyone.
就是今年！
by CubFanInChina on Dec 16, 2011 5:36 AM CST up reply actions
He never should have pretended to be a strikeout pitcher.
Zambrano has always had his best success when, as you say, he’s induced ground balls. Someone, or he himself, decided that he should strike out hitters because he’s such a big man.
If he’d go back to that hard sinker, he could be quite successful.
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possibly his agent did
since strike out pitchers = more $$$
kinda like HRs = $$$
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
Maybe.
You’d think WINNING pitchers with better ERAs would = more $$$
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well, as we know looking at wins is a lot like looking at batting average
to judge a player. I would agree more with ERA
Chronologically inept since 2060
Q: Why did Chuck Norris cross the road?
A: Ditka
Ditka's mustache can kill two stones with one bird
It is better to spend money like there's no tomorrow than to spend tonight like there's no money! - Irish toast.
When I say "winning" I don't literally mean "starting pitcher wins"
I mean a starter who puts his team in a position to win every time out. That’s all you can ask.
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Wait, what?
What on earth are you talking about when saying his best success was when he wasn’t striking out as many guys? That statement by itself, generally speaking, doesn’t make any sense. And when you actually, you know, look at the numbers, it proves to be completely untrue.
Going back to 2004, Zambrano’s two highest ERA’s were also the years when he had the lowest K/9 rate. So… striking out fewer guys = giving up more runs. Which is very intuitive.
I was talking about his 2003 season.
In fact, his lowest ERA (3.11) and 2nd lowest K/9 ratio (7.1) were in that year. He also led the league in fewest HR allowed per nine innings that year, best such mark of his career.
If he’d kept going that way, he’d have been quite a bit more successful. Thanks for cutting your post off at 2004, specifically aimed at attempting to prove me wrong.
Nice try, though.
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You know what else happened in 2003?
He gave up the most hits of his career that year. Even besides that very important point, you can’t be serious in citing what a player did NINE YEARS AGO as your sole example of what he could do to be successful in 2012.
Anyways, you’re on the edge of arguing that pitching to contact is better than avoiding bats. In other words, allowing the player to put the ball in play is better than making him swing and miss. You really should stop while you’re ahead not that far behind.
talking about what is going on in his head is the last thing Z is going to do
if he is smart.
Going to the mound and pitching like he can is all the talk he needs to do .. and hopefully it will have 6 MPH more and keep his ERA in the lower 3’s.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
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