Just Say No to Zambrano
By Mike Silva ~ September 16th, 2009. Filed under: Mike Silva.
Yesterday there was talk about the possibility of the Cubs shopping Carlos Zambrano this offseason. Immediately, I thought of the Zambrano being a great #2 starter behind Johan Santana. That is until you dig deeper into Zambrano and realize that he is exactly what the Mets don’t need.
Even in his best years Zambrano has been emotional, volatile, and walked too many batters. On the bright side he can sure hit (career OPS of .639) and can make your lineup nine deep. Heck, it would be like having an extra pinch hitter during long games. Regardless, this type of acquisition would be too risky due to a few red flags. First, it was just last year that Zambrano suffered from shoulder problems. This year he has been plagued by back pain. It’s not like Zambrano works hard to keep himself in shape as he’s admitted an aversion to sit-ups. For five seasons (2003-2007) he was a lock to pitch 200 innings. This year will mark the second straight decline in that category. Finally, although he has solid numbers, the hits have risen, the walks have remain steady, all while the strikeouts decline since 2006. Remember, he is also due about $55 million dollars the next three years. The Mets would be better served to go after John Lackey then invest in a Zambrano.
Number one caliber starters don’t grow on trees. If you don’t develop them it’s virtually impossible to acquire them on the open market. Of course, there are exceptions. Typically it comes down to a team (see Minnesota with Santana, Toronto with Halladay) that can’t afford the player. This doesn’t appear to be the Cubs case so it begs the question why do they want to trade him? Sounds like they hear the ticking time bomb just like I do. Hopefully Omar Minaya does as well and says “no” to Carlos Zambrano if the Cubs call.
September 16th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
First off, I think I deserve credit for predicting the possible Zambrano/Cubs breakup long before it hit the net yesterday.
I think you could do a whole lot worse than Zambrano…Now some of these Castillo/Perez for Zambrano proposals I’ve seen people make are just completely stupid. The Reality is that we’re stuck with both of these guys.
I think the reason why the Cubs would look to shop him is because of his relationship with Lou. Other than Lou being much more “Old School” they have similar volatile personalities, and those types often have a hard time co-existing.
The way I see it, if we got Zambraino, he’ll improve just by having half his games at New Shea instead of Wrigley. The and the change in environment would be a big boost to his attitude.
Also, while with signing Lackey you won’t trade away any players, but you’ll probably have to give him a lot more money and several more years.
I’m not saying it’s a move that “has to be done”, but it’d be worth while investigating what type of deal you could make.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
Lets hear the price before we make a conclusion guys. If Halladay will cost a top prospect like Martinez or Mejia while Zambrano can be received for a couple or even several B-/C+ type players I would take the gamble on Zambrano.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
do you really think this team can afford to give up more potential depth?
September 17th, 2009 at 3:04 am
I agree. The team can’t afford to give up depth.
January 21st, 2010 at 10:21 pm
Guys who are unwilling to put the work in the strength and conditioning room will find their careers cut short. There is too much competition. But these guys make enough money to last five lifetimes so it’s probably no big deal to them.
January 21st, 2010 at 10:23 pm
Teams like the Mets need to one day realize that the home grown players are the way to go. Then fill in basic spots with the free agent. Don’t fill the majority of your roster with free agents.
April 20th, 2010 at 2:18 pm
First off, I think I deserve credit for predicting the possible Zambrano/Cubs breakup long before it hit the net yesterday.
Great job!!!
April 20th, 2010 at 4:02 pm
Zambrano to the Mets was rumored in December…I saw nothing about it yesterday…
The great job you did, Used Pole Trailers, was in tooting your own horn…rah rah…
June 9th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Poor Cubbies. They need to seek to reverse the curse somehow. Maybe apologize to the family of the man who put the curse on them.