Carlos Zambrano's demotion to the Cubs bullpen came as a surprise to many. Off to a slow start after being lit up on opening day he has settled down with 3 shakey but solid outings. However, with Ted Lilly returning to the rotation someone had to go. It's not very often an opening day starter signed to a $91 million contract is the one getting relegated to the pen.
Since becoming a full-time starter Zambrano has been one of baseball's most consitant pitchers. Before last season he had finished below 15th in the NL in wins only in his first full season in the rotation while annually posting an ERA under 4.00.
Are the Cubs really better off with Tom Gorzelanny or Carlos Silva expected to pitch 6+ quality innings every fifth day? Zambrano is clearly the best pitcher of the trio so how can the Cubs think this is a good move?
I can't make much sense of it either but I'll do my best.
The Cubs bullpen has been one of their biggest weaknesses and Big Z is the best option to come to the rescue. Also, Zambrano is baseball's best hitting pitcher this side of Micah Owings. His bat in the bullpen gives manager Lou Pinella options. No longer will he need to waste a reliever and a pinch hitter when the pitcher slot comes up in the order. Zambrano is strong enough at the plate that he can pitch multiple innings in relief without hurting the team's offence. His endurance will also allow him to step in when Gorzelanny and Silva falter and keep the Cubs in games. A pitcher with that ability could come in handy saving an overworked bullpen.
Carlos Zambrano could be the first in a new breed of hitting long relievers meant to save bullpens or he could just be another failed experiment in the Cubs' never-ending march of failure.
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