Carlos Zambrano To Yankees?

Umm, yes please!

There are reports that top advisers to Yankees GM Brian Cashman have been at recent outings of Carlos Zambrano. Obviously, that starts rumors that the Yankees might try to bring him in. I couldn't root for this more to happen. I hate Zambrano so much, and would love to root against him. Plus, he sucks. You add that pressure of New York to this guy and he is going to snap, and I would love to sit back and watch that happen. If that wasn't good enough over $28MM remaining on his contract, and the Yankees are already bleeding money. Sure, they will never run out, but it has to get annoying.

Zambrano is a bum, and his 4.50 ERA in the NL will easily be over 5.00 if he comes to the AL East. I will pray each night, and will a goat for the baseball Gods if they let this happen.

Zambrano Shoots Off His Mouth Once Again

This is basically a yearly event, but once again Carlos Zambrano has one again shot of his mouth against a teammate...

"The problem wasn't Pujols," Zambrano said. "The problem was [Theriot's] at-bat. We should have known better than this. We are playing like a Triple-A team. This is embarrassing. Embarrassing for the team and the owners. Embarrassing for the fans. Embarrassing, that's the word for this team."

"We should know that Ryan Theriot is not a good fastball hitter," Zambrano yelled after turning in the direction of Marmol's then-vacated locker. "We should know that as a team. We should play better here. We stink. That's all I've got to say."

I am actually fine with 90% of what he said. The Cubs do suck, they are playing like a AAA team and he should be pissed (6 straight losses, 11 games out of of 1st place in the NL central). The one thing I have a problem with is calling out a teammate. If you got a problem with something he did you let him know, and you try to correct it. There is no need to go to the media. This shouldn't be shocking though, Zambrano is a fucking moron. Overall though they can't be too mad with the way Zambrano is playing, he is 5-2 on the season with a 3.98 and as long as he doesn't completely explode (which is asking a lot) he shouldn't be suspended.

Yankees Going After Big Z?

The fallout from Cliff Lee signing with the Phillies continue. Everyone is speculating what the Yankees "Plan B" will be, here is a rumor going around right now...

"Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reports the Yankees will explore the trade market for Cubs' Carlos Zambrano."

Zambrano is owed $36 million for the next two years, but the Yankees might be able to buy low on this guy and get the Cubs to eat some of the contract. Zambrano has been productive in the past, but he has also shown anger management problems and that could become a real problem with the pressures in the Bronx.

Even with all Zambrano's struggles on and off the field he was still pretty good last year posting a 3.33 ERA with a 11-6 record. He might not be Cliff Lee, but if the Yankees are desperate this could be an option (especially if Pettitte retires).

Though even if the Yankees do make a run at Zambrano a trade could be tough... "Bill Madden of the New York Daily News reports the Yankees will explore the trade market for Zambrano. Such a deal may be more difficult to complete, however, as Zambrano is seen as unwilling to waive his no-trade clause, reports Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune (ESPN)."

Carlos Zambrano To Retire Next Season

The end of the season can't come soon enough for Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano, who now says he will retire if he does not have a bounce-back year in 2010.

"Look, this is the only season I haven't won 16 or 18 or 14 games," Zambrano told the Chicago Tribune. "If it happens again next season, two seasons in a row, I'll quit. Believe me, I'll quit. I just have to put this behind me."

Zambrano likes to speak his mind, and often his comments come out of frustration. But his latest prediction comes not after a rough outing, but after a two-hit shutout of the Giants. ESPN

A lot of people don't like Big Z, however, I do. I like his outspokenness, his locker room meltdowns, etc. And after these comments I believe and respect everthing he says. He doesn't want to be some run of the mill pitcher, he wants to be on the top of his game and if he can't do that, he wants out. You can't blame him. Who wants to be known as that washed up pitcher who keeps getting one year contracts?

Cubs Shopping Zambrano

"Speculation is rampant in Chicago that the Cubs might seek to shop Carlos Zambrano and the $54 million left on his five-year contract. After a shaky outing against the Brewers on Tuesday night, Zambrano said he didn't want to waive his no-trade clause, but did not elaborate before shutting down the interview. It has been a rocky month for Big-Z. Last week we talked about Zambrano's heated debate with manager Lou Piniella during a game in Pittsburgh (ESPN)."

I've said it before and I'll say it again...You are not going to win with a guy like Zambrano on your team. He is nuts and will choke in any big game, because he has no control of his emotions. He has talent and the Cubs could get good value. In my eyes they are far from being a top team, so they should go out and get some top prospects, so that they at least have a chance to be good in the future.

Zambrano Suspended 6 games

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano was suspended for six games by Major League Baseball on Thursday for his tirade this week during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, said the penalty, which included a $3,000 fine, a source told ESPNChicago.com, will not be appealed. The suspension began Thursday night and barring rainouts Zambrano will be eligible to pitch next Thursday at Atlanta.

I guess that is reasonable for throwing a tantrum, bumping an umpire, throwing a ball in the bleachers and beating up a gatorade machine. I actually am on Carlos Zambrano's side here and think that the Ump should be disciplined too, but whatever. This won't hurt the Cubs too much, but still 6 games is reasonable.

Carlos Zambrano Has An Epic Meltdown

In Zambrano's defense, the batter was out and the ump did initiate the contact. Also, it was a first to see a player throw an ump out of the game. The Gatoraid machine however, was completely innocent.

Zambrano Hits The DL

"Carlos Zambrano is out two or three weeks after being placed on the disabled list due to a strained left hamstring. The right-hander was injured while running out a bunt for a hit in Sunday's win over the Florida Marlins on Sunday. Zambrano pitched five innings and earned the victory before leaving. He is 3-1 with a 4.50 ERA on the season (Sportsline)."

To be honest I think Zambrano is one of the most overrated pitchers in the MLB. Does he have nasty stuff? Yes, but he seems to have a hard time controlling his emotions, and that is just not what you want in the playoffs. So actually he sounds perfect for the Cubs. Randy Wells will most likely will take his spot in the rotation. There were rumors of Jeff Samardzija taking his spot, but he has been in the bullpen for a couple weeks now and would need more time then they have to get himself ready to pitch 5+ innings. Anyways I don't see this hurting the Cubs too much, they are 3 games above .500 and I just don't think the Cardinals will be able to hold first place for too long.

Carlos Zambrano Has Awesome Mustache

If this tells me anything, this means make sure Carlos Zambrano ends up on your fantasy teams. Not only does this mean that Big Z has matured into a man, it means he is in control of his life. I expect nothing less than 18 wins from the hefty pitcher this year (well if he keeps the stache).

Curse Continues, Dodgers take 2-0 series lead

You have to feel bad for the Cubs, because they just look like a deer in the headlights. Chicago put out their best pitcher, the problem is this guy has a bigger screw loose than Roger Clemens when he came out in the playoffs with Ninja Turtle shoelaces. There is just too much money put into Zambrano and yet the Cubs seem to never be able to count on him when it matters the most. Last night wasn't all his fault as the Cubs had 4 errors, and it was from guys what are usually very reliable (2 by DeRosa, and another by Lee). Those errors led to a big 2nd inning in which the Dodgers scored 5 runs, and the game was already over before it started. Manny tacked on an absolute bomb to put the nail in the coffin, and it was just painful to watch the expression on the Cubs fan's faces as Manny round the bases. It reminded me of the Sox before 2004, and the difference is the Cubs just don't have guys like Damon, Millar, and Manny that just don't care. There are no curse busters on this team, and the Cubs are looking at yet another early postseason exit. Final score Dodgers 10 Cubs 3.

-BMack