Zambrano leaves game early, but goes to softball game later
I don't know what to say about this one. Zambrano leaves the Giants game early with back problems, but is feeling good enough to throw out the 1st pitch at a Pro softball game later in the day and then has to dodge a foul ball while doing an interview. It didn't look like he had any back problems when avoiding the foul ball while doing the interview
11 months ago
kaseyi
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Much ado about nothing, I think.
He went to have an MRI after the game. Most likely, it showed nothing seriously wrong. So he went to make a prearranged appearance, instead of disappointing the Bandits, and the foul ball issue — well, that obviously wasn’t intentional.
Clearly, he’s fine, and should make his next start on Tuesday.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 1, 2011 7:14 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
the guy leaves the game early
due to back problems. Yes, the MRI might have shown no major problem, but don’t you think that a prudent athlete would take it easy and not even put himself in a position to hurt himself again the same day? I don’t know, but this really bothers me.
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
He made a commitment.
Incidentally, the shirt he’s wearing doesn’t just say “Big Z”. That’s the logo for his foundation. This appearance was probably for fundraising for his foundation.
Hurt himself? I watched the video. He stepped out of the way. It’s not like he was going all out on a major league field.
I really don’t have a problem with this.
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Of course it is.
But you’re implying that a player can’t do anything outside his work time? Sorry, no.
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And if he'd pitched five or six innings
No one would care.
But when you leave after one inning, you should go home.
Don’t call in sick and then be out partying.
"It's all in the game, yo"
"Partying"?
Nonsense. As posted here, this was a pre-arranged appearance for his foundation. (Thus the shirt.)
“Partying”? Spoken by someone who looks for the bad in everything Z does. There’s nothing to find here, unfortunately for you.
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Yep, charity organizations are more important than baseball.
"Sometimes you eat the bar and sometimes..."
by Phubbies on Jul 1, 2011 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
What?
This makes no sense at all. The Cubs weren’t playing a game last night. What “team” stuff was ahead of a prearranged charity outing?
Again, if this were Dempster, you wouldn’t have said a word. I have a real problem with your attitude toward Zambrano.
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You're right. I would NOT have said a word
Because Dempster doesn’t have the same history as Zambrano.
He doesn’t have the same history of absolutely refusing to take care of his body. He doesn’t have the temper tantrums. He doesn’t have the immaturity.
Some guys have earned slack. Zambrano hasn’t.
"It's all in the game, yo"
I don't get the issue here.
Are you seriously doubting if Zambrano cares or not?
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 1, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
You're way off, here, Kasey
Throwing out a first pitch and standing for an interview is probably less stressful on the back than going home and laying in his bed watching TV—that’s how he hurt his neck earlier this year. Now if he’d played softball, even with his daughters, I’d be with you.
Angel Guzman is the man.
you're grossly overreacting to a non-event
How is this not “taking it easy”? He soft tossed a first pitch for a softball game, then stood around and gave an interview. What should he have done instead – gone home and gotten into the giant plastic bubble he lives in between starts?
Ridiculous.
by Orval Overall on Jul 1, 2011 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Doesn't he have something of a previous history of heat-related health problems?
Were they not usually related to hydration?
Granted, it’s something that he might have better prepared for, still, I don’t see Zambrano as a malingerer. A bit mercurial at times, yes, but not given to shirking so much as over-the-top histrionics.
exactly
kasey is clearly looking for something to bash Zambrano for.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 1, 2011 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions
anyone who knows me knows I am not a "basher"
But to me this just feels wrong. a)after the last couple of days (even with Dempsters almost complete game) the Bullpen has been used a lot, b)Zambrano leaves the game early due to back problems leaving the CUbs in a position to use up the bullpen again and then c)Here he is, out at a softball game throwing out the 1st pitch acting like nothing happened at Wrigley. This all just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
dude, get a grip, its not that big of a deal
he friggin’ tossed out a 1st pitch underhanded at an event he had already agreed to attend. Its not like he was chucking a fastball down the middle of the plate.
Let me guess, you’re not really a BigZ fan are you?
actually I am
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
(replay fail) Actually I am
When he is healthy, he is the best pitcher the Cubs have, but like I said earlier, this just felt wrong to me. I just want him to STAY health and put out a good effort on the mound at Wrigley, not at a softball field
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
The amount of stress in your back from throwing a major league pitch
is nothing compared to ANY other activity Zambrano could have done. It was most likely cramping or swelling, which can be taken care of in a few hours but is not possible to pitch through. By the time the game was over, I would bet you Zambrano himself would have told you he was already back to 100%.
I see where you’re coming from, but you need to look at the injury (which was as minor as it gets), and what he did (throw an underhand softball one time and do an interview) and realize that it was just a professional upholding his obligation to his charity.
Actually, when I saw it on the news, Z weirdly threw the first pitch overhand.
I’m not the biggest Z fan but it’s still not an issue. The guy made good on a commitment. And as to the point about Z being the Cubs’ best pitcher when healthy, I think with his drop in velocity, that isn’t even the case anymore. When he was younger he had better stuff than any other Cub starter, that’s for sure.
debatable point
a good argument could be made Z had the best stuff of all three in the day, Z had a high 90s four-seamer (as good as Wood’s) and low to mid 90s two seamer, both exceptionally nasty.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 2, 2011 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Zambrano had the most potential
Wood had more heart, but had an arm of glass. Prior had neither the heart nor the durability.
Zambrano turns out to have no brain
"It's all in the game, yo"
Prior had no heart?
How would you know?
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Prior's Dad would tell him when to have heart
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
I am sure that makes sense to you
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2011 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions
Perfect sense
Prior’s entire athletic existence has been micromanaged by his father.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Kasey
I have the utmost respect for your breadth of knowledge, devotion and the decades spent following the Cubs. But I’ve got to side with the others on this one. If he had played, like someone else said, I’m with you. But throwing the first pitch and stepping out of the way, I don’t know. Mountains out of molehills here.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Agreed.
This really is a non-issue. He was making what appears to be a prearranged charity appearance.
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I sat next to Jenny Finch and her Bandits teammates a few years ago
They had a marketing deal with sox, but no such deal with the Cubs. So they ended up out in the right field corner with us. They were really nice girls and signed autographs for the kids in out section.
OK, I got an autograph too.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 1, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
you are trying to make a non-issue an issue
nothing he did was out of line except to those who are looking for an excuse to bash Z.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 2, 2011 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah she should leave that to the professionals
kasey is clearly looking for something to bash Zambrano for.
There’s already a half dozen sportswriters in town who seem to be paid to do this already.
SHe????
Not a she.
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Sorry, I had a source that said you were a girl
I’m still not convinced my source was wrong though. It may be that you were a girl at the time my source told me that, but that things have changed since. So I stand by my source.
by Wreckard on Jul 1, 2011 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs
You are really unbelievable.
Using this to mock me? Really, grow up.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 1, 2011 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That stuff wasn't even related to this.
You like to mock people? What a sad life you must lead.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 1, 2011 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It was a joke man, relax.
You should seriously consider not taking yourself so seriously.
by Wreckard on Jul 2, 2011 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
You should consider what a "joke" is.
That wasn’t funny.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 2, 2011 6:55 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You seriously have no sense of humor.
That is most certainly funny.
I should have guessed you'd chime in here.
Should I ban you again? You’re going for the record here.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 3, 2011 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I didnt do anything wrong.
you’re overreacting.
I'll lighten up...
… when someone whose sole purpose here is to rip me, stops mocking me.
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Get a haircut then, hippie!
Nobody cares about your fantasy baseball team
by carmen_fanzone on Jul 1, 2011 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions
That’s why you can’t trust the Chicago sports media.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jul 2, 2011 7:53 AM CDT up reply actions
Agreed...
It’s not he like he was participating in another HR derby.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
Z would have lost to those girls
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 1, 2011 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions
He might not be as fine as you think (reply fail again)
According to Bruce Miles, the CUbs are thinking of DL’ing Zambrano (see link in my post lower in the thead)
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Agreed Al, I don't have an issue with what Z did...
are people seriously expecting him to be bed-ridden for 2 weeks if he goes on the DL? It’s not like he was playing in the softball game, he threw out a pitch. Now, if he goes and plays in a rec. league basketball game after he leaves the game early, then I have a problem. Throwing a pitch out and side stepping a foul ball is nothing to get up in arms about.
Learn this line, and use it often- "Yes dear, you're right, I'm sorry" -Bob Brenly
But Cutler was standing up on the sidelines without a crutch!
by Arbusto on Jul 1, 2011 7:24 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
everyone has moments in which they leave stuff unfinished
In this case, it’s not quite the same.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Man I loved watching Sammy Sosa.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Yeah, the cubs actually had a feared hitter.
never forget...
1.7%
anything is possible...
by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 1, 2011 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Man, I loved catching Sammy Sosa...
…and Moises Alou and Glenallen Hill and Hector Villanueva…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
you have to love the last sentence on the ESPN article
“I expect this to be a nonissue” and the guy is vilified in Chicago STILL. Sammy carried this team for 12 years, everyone loved him coming to bat. Yeah, he was a primadonna, yea his ego got huge, so what? Retire his number, welcome him home.
I'm going to the 2012 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp!!! Who's with me?
by VegasCubFan on Jul 2, 2011 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
another "Cubs Pitcher Stood Us Up" episode is not needed
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Oh gawd!!!
In the words of Ed lover “C’mon Son-Getdaf****outtaherewithdatbull****” Big Z hater. Leave Big Z alone!
Child Plz!
I've got your back, Kasey
The sooner Zambrano’s ass hits the door, the better.
"It's all in the game, yo"
Agree 100%...
Face it, everyone. Zambrano is now a 30 year old who’s still emotional, can barely throw 90, walks way too many, an injury risk, and is essentially now a 4-4.5 ERA pitcher.
Spend that 18 million elsewhere.
I thought the Shadow knew what evil lurked in the heart of men??
If he knows stats too that’s just even more impressive.
The Shadow - do you mean Lamont Cranston?
http://www.lamontcranston.com/
Mystery hero and The World’s Greatest Bar Band?
Kasey, hopefully this causes you to re-evaluate your position.
by Orval Overall on Jul 1, 2011 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
nope...
in fact, it looks like Z might not be as “fine” as some people think
From Bruce Miles on TwitterAll options on table including DL for #Cubs Big Z especially w all star break coming
See the Cubs 2011 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2011.html
Also see what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Regardless of whether or not he's on the DL doesn't change a thing about this...
There was nothing he could do from home to make his back better and there was nothing he could have done at this softball game to make it worse. This is a non story.
Zambrano lob tossed a softball - 46 feet
And from flat ground. That’s it. Nothing more. I don’t think he took BP, kicked a soccer ball, or did somersaults.
What is the problem with making this appearence?
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
by RiskyBusiness on Jul 1, 2011 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
If it is to be believed ..
Zambrano probably punched a couple coolers on the way out and was clutching at his belt screaming at someone, while being held back.
He then proceeded to do unamerican things that would evoke the Apocalypse.
This thread quickly got as lame as I knew it would.
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
Watched the video - Big [word starting with F redacted] deal.
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
by eths on Jul 1, 2011 9:27 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
I agree
I see absolutely nothing wrong with Zambrano tossing that ceremonial 1st pitch.
I too saw the video of the “event” and I thought it was very cool of Zambrano. Seeing Zambrano at that SB game and the press conference I actually came away liking Zambrano even more. At the game event he was smiling and having good fun. In the press conference he was well spoken.
Kudos to Carlos!
If this was Dempster I have a feeling nobody would have said anything.
by Dcr18 on Jul 1, 2011 9:30 AM CDT reply actions 5 recs
bingo
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2011 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Dempster doesn't act like a 4 year-old child on a regular basis.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
And neither has Z in over a year.
I think you need a new stock response to why Z is evil.
"The cheaper the hood, the gaudier the talk" - Philip Marlowe
by ForTheLoveOfBiitner on Jul 2, 2011 8:34 AM CDT up reply actions
well said
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Jul 3, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Carlos Zambrano is a horrible professional athlete.
He doesn’t take care of his body (bananas? finger cramps from typing?) like a professional athlete and his side-show antics are annoying. I know, he’s like really good and his WAR is high n stuff, but he surely doesn’t act like a guy that is one of the supposed leaders of the team. It’s hard to take him seriously.
Dan
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
I thought we liked the players
who took part in the community and did things outside the Cubs.
by Arbusto on Jul 1, 2011 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
Great Post for the wet blanket crowd
Have fun (if you can) killjoys.
"On offense, your most precious possessions are your 27 outs" - Earl Weaver
Some people just want to complain.
So they pick on this, which is nothing to complain about. Happy holiday weekend to all.
Join us for complete MLB coverage at SB Nation's Baseball Nation
Fine, I'll say it:
There’s professional softball?
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Watch it if you can, it's insane...
Huge dudes that can literally hit a HR whenever they want to. League rules state that any HRs after the 10th are considered an out. It’s pretty crazy.
Why is this even a story? Zambrano did nothing wrong here.
If you want something to complain about regarding Z look at his stats for the year.
sigh.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Jul 1, 2011 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
I see both sides here.
This particular story didn’t bother me, but I can see from Z’s past why people (myself included) would have a hard time giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Fasten those seat belts...
PREDICTION
If Z is shown sitting on the dugout bench today, it’s followed by an hysterical post lambasting him for failing to rest his back.
If Z is NOT shown sitting on the dugout bench today, it’s followed by an hysterical post lambasting him for being a bad teammate and failing to support the other guys.
Zamrbano does plenty of stupid things
But this is much ado about nothing
by Shanghai Badger on Jul 1, 2011 10:55 PM CDT reply actions
End result.
I’ve got 20 bucks that says the appearance ended with Carlos eating soft serve ice cream from a miniature plastic helmet.
Can't we go ahead and officially replace Wayne Messmer with Dwight Smith?
POST OF THE WEEK
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
for the
people who have to gripe and complain about this non story i say get a friggin life.
I'm hoping
I’m beginning to hope Z gets traded where the team has a fanbase where some people don’t let the media do their thinking.
I don’t know how anyone can trust the Chicago sports media with the personal attacks they make on people who don’t kiss their butts and the coverups for the butt kissers.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jul 2, 2011 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
You just hit the nail on the head for why I stopped liking sports media
There’s far too much BS made out of nothing because they have to write something. I’d rather let a man’s actions determine whether or not I like him. As someone who has been dealing with pain for 2+ months now, I have absolutely zero problem with this whole thing. I actually give the guy credit for making the appearance rather than sinking into a “woe is me” approach and hiding.
RIP Ronnie James Dio (July 10, 1942 - May 16, 2010) and Ron Santo (February 25, 1940-December 2, 2010).
If you disagree with me in any way, you are wrong.
Joe Cowley column on this issue. Cowley is way off base when he says this is why Z shouldn’t be with the Cubs — ridiculous — but I linked it for this quote from Jim Hendry:
‘‘I mean, he had to go out there and throw the ball some 40 feet,’’ Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. ‘‘This is a strong, world-class athlete at 270 pounds. He could have thrown it up there with his big toe. There’s a big difference between that and going out and pitching in a major-league baseball game. No one feels like he quit [Thursday], that he’s not hurt.
‘‘There are certain things, No. 1 that he’s done in the past that I haven’t approved of, No. 2 that he knows and has heard about from me, but there are times like this where it is a big to-do about nothing. Obviously he’s done some things that have deserved discipline, and discipline from me. But with this, I would have been more disappointed if he made a commitment to these people where people paid to get in just to see him, and he didn’t show up.’’
Exactly. Mainstream media writers stirring up a story out of nothing. They should be ashamed.
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by Al Yellon on Jul 2, 2011 8:40 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Nice
Great words and some common sense from Hendry.
So, I am not in favor of firing Hendry today. How about tomorrow ;)
by WhistlerWilliams on Jul 2, 2011 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions
Joe Cowley is an idiot
dude couldn’t right a factual column if his life depended on it. He’s all about finding the negative side of the story when there really isn’t one and turning something into nothing.
The only decent Chicago based writers are Bruce Miles and Bruce Levine, all the others are just idiots…..
Aside from smacking Cowley in the face
he should be ignored
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Hendry
Hendry is genuinely a really nice guy. I wish he was a butt because it would make it easier to hate him.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jul 3, 2011 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes Z being his typical Z self
Z is one of the most community involved Cubs maybe even more so than Wood. He also does a lot in his home country.
So this was being typical Z. Doing something to promote charity.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jul 3, 2011 12:17 AM CDT reply actions 3 recs
Good news -
“After throwing out the first pitch in a softball game after leaving his previous start early, Zambrano was released today from Evanston Hospital. Doctors have told big Z to lay off the 40 mile per hour charity pitches.”
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
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