Carlos Zambrano has been my favorite player on the Cubs since at least 2003. I remember Steve Stone talking about Zambrano and how at such a young age he could work himself out of trouble that he put himself in. He was energetic. He wore his emotions on his sleeve. He was one of the fiercest competitors the Cubs have had in my lifetime. Losing was unacceptable to Zambrano.
He was everything that I wanted this organization to be. He was also everything most Cubs fans wanted the organization to be, but they wanted that energetic, passionate, and emotional pitcher to be energetic, passionate and emotional at only the right times. There are two Cubs players I associate not with the Cubs way of losing, but with breaking free of that tradition: Sammy Sosa and Carlos Zambrano. Neither player accepted losing. Sammy demaded the team get better or trade him. Zambrano would call his teammates out on the field and off the field. Both players are hated by a fan base that is supposedly sick and tired of losing. It’s odd.
Zambrano is officially gone, but he’d been unofficially gone since last summer. His departure was only a matter of time and as much as I’ve enjoyed Zambrano, it was time. He’s no longer the productive pitcher he once was. His behavior, while acceptable when putting up 4 to 5 WAR seasons, is no longer acceptable when you’re average or worse. It doesn’t change the fantastic memories I have of Zambrano and nothing ever will. I’ll be sure to check out a few of his starts in 2012 and maybe more than that. Good luck.
Below is a list of the 10 best Zambrano starts using 3 different metrics.
Game Score
WPA
RE24
Comments
[quote name=shawndgoldman]So… the Cubs lost a win or two in projected value for this year, and have a guy under team control who may or may not provide value for a couple more years? OK, i’ll take that.[/quote]Yeah, that’s about the only silver lining I can find in this.
mb21Quote Reply
2003 Zambrano was a fucking beast.
dylanjQuote Reply
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
also, Theo came in unconnected to the BS and after some time decided to dump the guy. Im going to trust there is good reason for it.
dylanjQuote Reply
.
uncle daveQuote Reply
Z is easily my favorite cub though. Just a fun guy to watch.
dylanjQuote Reply
Nice post.
RodrigoQuote Reply
How could those all be his best games? He LOST some of them. NOT AN ACE!!!
Aisle424Quote Reply
Good luck in Miami, Z.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
I noticed none of those games are in the playoffs either. NOT AN ACE!!!!
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]also, Theo came in unconnected to the BS and after some time decided to dump the guy. Im going to trust there is good reason for it.[/quote]Yeah, and honestly, it’s for the best. The beat guys already had their knives sharpened for him and this season was never going to go well for him with them riding his ass.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Oliver has Volstad at 1.3 WAR. That’s $3.5 million in value and since it’s his first year of arbitration, you expect them to be paid 40% of their free agent value. So he’s likely to be paid twice as much as he’s worth next year.
Z’s Oliver is 2 WAR or $10 million. Surplus trade value of -$8.0. Figure 4 WAR for Volstad over 3 years at $5.25 million average win value. $21 million. He’ll be paid $2.6 million, $3.5 million, $5 million. Total of $11.1 million. In arbitration that’s about $6.7 million.
Cubs lose a bit in the trade using Oliver, but not much.
mb21Quote Reply
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/volstad-heads-to-chicago/
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, that’s about the only silver lining I can find in this.[/quote]
Said it in the last thread, but it’s worth repeating:
The silver lining is now there will only be Sullivan hack jobs about Z a couple times a year instead of a couple times a month.
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
[quote name=uncle dave].[/quote]I nearly said the same thing, dave. I actually had it written it that way and then edited it. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
I really want him to win Cy Younbg this yeqar
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
Sickels is narrowing down his Cubs list for those who want to help http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/1/4/2681716/chicago-cubs-preliminary-prospect-list
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I noticed none of those games are in the playoffs either. NOT AN ACE!!!![/quote]His playoff games weren’t included in the game log, but i doubt any would show up so you’re correct.
mb21Quote Reply
I”ll also miss Zambrano, and I’m thankful knowing that this blog will remember him by at least honoring all that he did for the Cubs. This could be his last year in MLB if he is replacement level. Teams don’t take risk on personality problem guys who don’t have upside.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]Teams don’t take risk on personality problem guys who don’t have upside.[/quote]Shea Hillebrand and Bobby Jenks disagree.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]I”ll also miss Zambrano, and I’m thankful knowing that this blog will remember him by at least honoring all that he did for the Cubs. This could be his last year in MLB if he is replacement level. Teams don’t take risk on personality problem guys who don’t have upside.[/quote]The Red Sox just signed Carlos Silva to a minor league contract…there’s always a way, I guess.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]The Red Sox just signed Carlos Silva to a minor league contract…there’s always a way, I guess.[/quote]
That means the Cubs get $5m, right?
BerseliusQuote Reply
I could be wrong. Hell I guess Guillen and Z could be a match made in heaven, and they extend him.
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I really want him to win Cy Younbg this yeqar[/quote]As much as I’d love to see that I really don’t want to read the endless articles about how fucking worthless Theo Esptein is for trading away a great, great pitcher in Carlos Zambrano.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That means the Cubs get $5m, right?[/quote]But they have to use that to pay Marlon Byrd.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]But they have to use that to pay Marlon Byrd.[/quote]
Also, we should all have high expectations for Chris Volstad this year. After all, they’re paying him $18.5 million.
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Also, we should all have high expectations for Chris Volstad this year. After all, they’re paying him $18.5 million.[/quote]I expect 3 Cy Young Awards next year alone.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
??????????????
PROFIT
(dying laughing)[/quote]Let’s See What Happens
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Trey McNutt is the happiest person tonight. His path to the big leagues just got super easy. All he has to do is pitch OK and he’ll be up by July.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Also, we should all have high expectations for Chris Volstad this year. After all, they’re paying him $18.5 million.[/quote]Someone has been reading Paul Sullivan’s math primer.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Carlos’ 130 OPS + last year was better than everyone but Ramirez (now also gone), LaHair (69 PAs) and Clevenger (2 PAs).
Aisle424Quote Reply
Based on Clevenger’s 2 PA I think we can project 11 WAR from him alone. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
The Cubs also traded their best pinch hitter tonight.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
(dying laughing)[/quote]If they trade Matt Garza, it will become much more (dying laughing)-worthy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]That means the Cubs get $5m, right?[/quote]
Yes. I also am going to score huge on my perpetual motion machine:
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Yes. I also am going to score huge on my perpetual motion machine.
[/quote]Masturbation jokes are so over.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Begin trib-type speculation…
This means the Theo regime will eat salary, and Soriano will be traded next.
… end trib-style speculation.
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
I guess we’ll probably need to change the @OVBlog twitter avatar now.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Begin trib-type speculation…
This means the Theo regime will eat salary, and Soriano will be traded next.
… end trib-style speculation.[/quote]
I think that’s a legitimate point. If they’re willing to give up Z and the proverbial truckload of cash for nothing but a balloon of meat in return, maybe it means they’re willing to cut their losses on Soriano, too.
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Begin trib-type speculation…
This means the Theo regime will eat salary, and Soriano will be traded next.
… end trib-style speculation.[/quote]I actually speculated that in the last thread. (dying laughing)
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Alfonso Soriano = second longest tenured Cub
Or Carlos Marmol if you ignore his option to AAA to begin the 2007 season
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I guess we’ll probably need to change the @OVBlog twitter avatar now.[/quote]And the favicon. Any ideas?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]And the favicon. Any ideas?[/quote]Cubbie facepalm.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Steve Swisher]I think that’s a legitimate point. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MMXjunSx80
Here’s a question: If they’re willing to give up Z and the proverbial truckload of cash for nothing but a balloon of meat in return, maybe it means they’re willing to cut their losses on Soriano, too.[/quote]Yeah, I think Soriano is gone, but Theo’s comments about knowing which players you can help to reach potential is interesting. Does he think they can help Soriano improve? I don’t think so, but we’ll see.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Cubbie facepalm.[/quote]That’s a good idea.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, I think Soriano is gone, but Theo’s comments about knowing which players you can help to reach potential is interesting. Does he think they can help Soriano improve? I don’t think so, but we’ll see.[/quote]Platoon with LaHair at 1B (dying laughing)
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The Cubs also traded their best
pinchhitter tonight.[/quote]Too easy.
RodrigoQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]And the favicon. Any ideas?[/quote]Matt Garza. That way you can just change it again in a week or so.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?[/quote]
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
I am demanding a reality show all season long filming in the Marlins clubhouse. It will be called Loco Room.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I am demanding a reality show all season long filming in the Marlins clubhouse. It will be called Loco Room.[/quote]Only if they get Ghostface KIllah to host and narrate.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?[/quote]
Aisle424Quote Reply
I’ll assume the only reason we haven’t heard from Kap or Sullivan is because they’re over at Wittenmyer’s place doing rails of coke off Barry Rozner’s ass.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Yeah, I think Soriano is gone, but Theo’s comments about knowing which players you can help to reach potential is interesting. Does he think they can help Soriano improve? I don’t think so, but we’ll see.[/quote]
Didn’t he reach his potential about 5 years ago?
shawndgoldmanQuote Reply
Poor Soriano. With Ramirez and Z gone, he will bear the full brunt of the beat writers’ angst.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Poor Soriano. With Ramirez and Z gone, he will bear the full brunt of the beat writers’ angst.[/quote]Maybe Starlin can wear more jewelry.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Poor Soriano. With Ramirez and Z gone, he will bear the full brunt of the beat writers’ angst.[/quote]Castro will start getting it now too. Big time. The expectations for him are off the charts.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Poor Soriano. With Ramirez and Z gone, he will bear the full brunt of the beat writers’ angst.[/quote]He should try to run faster.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Castro will start getting it now too. Big time. The expectations for him are off the charts.[/quote]True. Maybe Lisa can devise a special pheromone that distracts the beat writers and give it to Starlin.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]True. Maybe Lisa can devise a special pheromone that distracts the beat writers and give it to Starlin.[/quote]What would one call this pheromone? Tribunesterone?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
So sad. But it had to happen. Would have loved to see him hoist the MLB world series trophy
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]What would one call this pheromone? Tribunesterone?[/quote]I don’t know, but it would probably have to smell like free food and cheap whiskey.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’ll assume the only reason we haven’t heard from Kap or Sullivan is because they’re over at Wittenmyer’s place doing rails of coke off Barry Rozner’s ass.[/quote]
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
RodrigoQuote Reply
Several of the Superfriends’ pick-ups have been players who had down years, or never lived up to their potential. Since when have the Cubs ever been able to help players tap into the superstar within? Who’s come here and really improved? I know it’s a whole new slate of coaches and such, but I hope their optimism about Voltron and Ivan DeJesus and such is warranted.
Steve SwisherQuote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]
[/quote]Done: http://obstructedview.net/templates/yoo_nano/favicon.ico
In order to update it in your browser you may have to click on that link and then refresh the page after you do so. If that doesn’t work, clear your cache.
mb21Quote Reply
I tired to update the twitter icon to that one, but for some reason it doesn’t save. If someone else wants to update the twitter account to match, go for it.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Castro will start getting it now too. Big time. The expectations for him are off the charts.[/quote]I think a lot of intelligent people are going to be disappointed when he doesn’t become a superstar. You’re absolutely right. The expectations for him are superstar or bust at this point. That’s true for a lot of reasonable people too. It’s not, however, a reasonable position to take.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Steve Swisher]Several of the Superfriends’ pick-ups have been players who had down years, or never lived up to their potential. Since when have the Cubs ever been able to help players tap into the superstar within? Who’s come here and really improved? I know it’s a whole new slate of coaches and such, but I hope their optimism about Voltron and Ivan DeJesus and such is warranted.[/quote]I’m not sure it really matters for those players. I do think they’re expecting average performance from Wood, but the other guys are short-term solutions who cost little.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]I think a lot of intelligent people are going to be disappointed when he doesn’t become a superstar. You’re absolutely right. The expectations for him are superstar or bust at this point. That’s true for a lot of reasonable people too. It’s not, however, a reasonable position to take.[/quote]
I would argue that intelligent people have a more realistic point of view.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]If that doesn’t work, clear your cache.[/quote]Don’t tell me what to do. I have a lot of important shit in my cache.
GBTSQuote Reply
MB where is that Z cannot win with the fans or the media piece you wrote at ACB 1.0?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]I would argue that intelligent people have a more realistic point of view.[/quote]I agree with that. They always do, but even intelligent people make mistakes. I think we saw that with Zambrano. He was so good early in his career that there was simply no way he could live up to expectations. I’d be shocked if we don’t see the same thing with Castro.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]MB where is that Z cannot win with the fans or the media piece you wrote at ACB 1.0?[/quote]comments are gone, but here it is: http://www.dmick89.com/cubs/?p=391
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Don’t tell me what to do. I have a lot of important shit in my cache.[/quote]You should always backup your alien porn first. Duh.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]comments are gone, but here it is: http://www.dmick89.com/cubs/?p=391%5B/quote%5DThanks!
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Thanks![/quote]In case the Bloguin ACB is ever taken down, it’s here: http://www.dmick89.com/cubs/joomla/
Not sure everything works right on that yet. I haven’t messed around with it since I’m pretty sure it’s still up on Bloguin.
mb21Quote Reply
Phil Rogers just ripped into z in hIs column. I agree with about fifty percent
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Phil Rogers just ripped into z in hIs column. I agree with about fifty percent[/quote]Why rip? He’s gone, let it slide. Jeez.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
West Virginia is kicking Clemson’s ass.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
Yellon thought Gaby Sanchez could have been in the deal.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Phil Rogers just ripped into z in hIs column. I agree with about fifty percent[/quote]
This is what we call in the business a “sophistry:”
Holy stream of non sequitrous bullshittery..
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’ll assume the only reason we haven’t heard from Kap or Sullivan is because they’re over at Wittenmyer’s place doing rails of coke off Barry Rozner’s ass.[/quote]
http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/post/Zambrano-trade-a-huge-win-for-Cubs?blockID=625036&feedID=619
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
Awesome: http://aeryssports.com/a-league-of-her-own/z-to-miami-for-chris-volstad/#comment-21070
.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Why rip? He’s gone, let it slide. Jeez.[/quote]Because Phil Rogers has to do something when he’s not hatefucking his Curtis Granderson body pillow.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Awesome: http://aeryssports.com/a-league-of-her-own/z-to-miami-for-chris-volstad/#comment-21070
.[/quote]Outfuckingstanding.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/cubs-talk/post/Zambrano-trade-a-huge-win-for-Cubs?blockID=625036&feedID=619[/quote]Damn you
(dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Awesome: http://aeryssports.com/a-league-of-her-own/z-to-miami-for-chris-volstad/#comment-21070
.[/quote]That might be the same guy who posted on Julie’s facebook earlier. That’s a great point, except he forgot that one of the players is not lazy.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Outfuckingstanding.[/quote]Agreed and I really liked Lilly. I don’t want to rip on him to make a point because he was damn good as a Cub. Great teammate from what he heard and very good pitcher, but the point is about how such actions are perceived differently. Great comment.
mb21Quote Reply
Is bcb turrible right now?
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
The Kaplan interview with Theo today summarized for those who missed it and the Bleacher Nation live blog earlier:
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/cubs-notes-garza-wood-lahair.html
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Is bcb turrible right now?[/quote]Right now?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Volstad’s BB/9 has been steadily declining for four years.
GBTSQuote Reply
Can someone explain to me what the point of re-signing Kerry Wood is?
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right now?[/quote]I mean more so than normal
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Can someone explain to me what the point of re-signing Kerry Wood is?[/quote]Intangibles.
Plus I guess it’s a sign of loyalty and stuff.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Can someone explain to me what the point of re-signing Kerry Wood is?[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Is bcb turrible right now?[/quote]Don’t know. I don’t think I’ve visited that page for several months.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I mean more so than normal[/quote]That’s like some kind of infinite halves distinction.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]I stand corrected.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Volstad’s BB/9 has been steadily declining for four years.[/quote]If he keeps up his current pace he’ll be walking .2 batters per 9 innings in 2020.
mb21Quote Reply
Is the bulimic unicorn available in the OV store?
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Volstad seems like a guy who pitches to contact. Below average strikeouts, doesn’t walk people, doesn’t get a lot of whiffs, 50% ground ball rate. I wonder if Theo thinks hes found a cheap, serviceable 5th starter if he puts an adequate defense behind him.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Volstad seems like a guy who pitches to contact. Below average strikeouts, doesn’t walk people, doesn’t get a lot of whiffs, 50% ground ball rate. I wonder if Theo thinks hes found a cheap, serviceable 5th starter if he puts an adequate defense behind him.[/quote]Wouldn’t surprise me. He’s got some troubling HR/FB numbers for a guy pitching most of his games in a pitchers park.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Volstad seems like a guy who pitches to contact. Below average strikeouts, doesn’t walk people, doesn’t get a lot of whiffs, 50% ground ball rate. I wonder if Theo thinks hes found a cheap, serviceable 5th starter if he puts an adequate defense behind him.[/quote]It doesn’t matter if he’s any good at all. He could be the worst pitcher in the history of baseball and the Cubs are at least 49 wins better than they were.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is the bulimic unicorn available in the OV store?[/quote]No, but we really should update that place. (dying laughing)
mb21Quote Reply
(dying laughing)
That would be fucking sensational.
GBTSQuote Reply
Tim has raised the ire of mouthbreathing masses on Twitter.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
jesus, Kaplan is repeatedly tweeting for people to look at pictures of Tebows girlfriend. hilarious and rediculous
Recalcitrant Blogger NateQuote Reply
I like the trade. Didn’t think if we paid all of Carlos s salary we would get anything. I can see volstad beeping a good number four or amazing number 5
bubblesdachimpQuote Reply
[quote name=Recalcitrant Blogger Nate]jesus, Kaplan is repeatedly tweeting for people to look at pictures of Tebows girlfriend. hilarious and rediculous[/quote]That photo went around the interwebz about 4 years ago. Kap is as late as he is undersized.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
you know I was thinking that if Prince goes to the Nats the NL East is getting to be a really good division. Minus the Mets of course
dylanjQuote Reply
Tim is doing the Lord’s work on Twitter.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]you know I was thinking that if Prince goes to the Nats the NL East is getting to be a really good division. Minus the Mets of course[/quote]The seeming lack of a market for him is perplexing.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
well the Cubs were the best fit on paper and I still would take him on a longer deal if we get on opt out but Theo seems set on unleashing LaFuckingHair
dylanjQuote Reply
Now that the Marlins got Z maybe they can become the new/old mystery team. I mean, it’s not like they’re spending their own money anyway.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]well the Cubs were the best fit on paper and I still would take him on a longer deal if we get on opt out but Theo seems set on unleashing LaFuckingHair[/quote]I think Theo’s more set on not handing a shitton of money to a DH on an NL team. If LaHair fails, oh well. If Prince fails, you get to deal with a Soriano situation all over again. Anyone that signs Prince to more than 5 years is gonna hate the everloving shit out of the back end of that deal.
That said, with the right kind of deal, I still want Prince. Just not for any longer than 5 years.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Tim is doing the Lord’s work on Twitter.[/quote]If I Tweeted I would thank him or whatever you’re supposed to do on Twitter.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
Plus after Vogelbach hits 60 HR’s next year in the minors we will have a spot for him.
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]Plus after Vogelbach hits 60 HR’s next year in the minors we will have a spot for him.[/quote](dying laughing) the only way he gets 60 dongs is if they are Ding Dongs.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
i dunno MO. Dan Vogelbach is my new favorite prospect. I hope he does nothing but hit and force his way up
dylanjQuote Reply
[quote name=dylanj]i dunno MO. Dan Vogelbach is my new favorite prospect. I hope he does nothing but hit and force his way up[/quote]I’d like it if he panned out. But that’s a really bad body.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Tim is doing the Lord’s work on Twitter.[/quote]I’m exhausted.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m exhausted.[/quote]Cub fans don’t deserve nice things.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Cub fans don’t deserve nice things.[/quote]And they won’t have any for a few years.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]And they won’t have any for a few years.[/quote]Indeed.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Lost in the hubbub is that the Cubs beat writers were once again scooped.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]I’d like it if he panned out. But that’s a really bad body.[/quote]
Not selling jeans here, etc. etc
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Lost in the hubbub is that the Cubs beat writers were once again scooped.[/quote]
You should have waited two weeks to figure this out.
BerseliusQuote Reply
[quote name=Berselius]Not selling jeans here, etc. etc[/quote]Sure. I’m just wary of guys who are that big at that age.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Harry Pav has picked up where I left off on Twiiter.
Aisle424Quote Reply
[quote name=Aisle424]Harry Pav has picked up where I left off on Twiiter.[/quote]
GBTSQuote Reply
I thought that was a good picture to symbolize a shift change. Not hinting that you and Harry are enemies on good terms.
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Sure. I’m just wary of guys who are that big at that age.[/quote]Well, I think you might be overreacting a little MO. When I graduated HS, I was about 300 lbs. By the time I hit the summer of my age 20 season (dying laughing) I dropped to about 210. This kid is a professional athlete who is actually quite athletic under all that mass. I think he could easily drop some lbs and get his weight under control within the next 4 years. He has plenty of incentive to do it. I lost weight for selfish reasons……I was tired of being a virgin. (dying laughing)
MuckerQuote Reply
[quote name=Mac]I lost weight for selfish reasons……I was tired of being a virgin. (dying laughing)[/quote]
WTF? This is the only real reason to do it. (dying laughing)
MishQuote Reply
Oh, the offseason
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/05/photo-of-the-day-is-alex-rodriguez-a-nerd-or-a-hipster/
MishQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]Volstad seems like a guy who pitches to contact. Below average strikeouts, doesn’t walk people, doesn’t get a lot of whiffs, 50% ground ball rate. I wonder if Theo thinks hes found Carlos Silva.[/quote].
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=mb21]Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
(dying laughing)[/quote]I started a video game season with the current roster and it’s already not going well, around 20 games in. This trade is going to make it even less fun.
(70% of LaHair’s hits are home runs, but he’s hitting like .160 out of the cleanup spot)
Suburban kidQuote Reply
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
^^^^^^^^^^
that was one cool story, bro
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]
[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
would love to see it full screen
Suburban kidQuote Reply
So with Z gone and assuming Soriano won’t make the team, and are we still paying for Silva (dying laughing)… What percentage of our salary will be to players not on the team? It has to be the highest in baseball.
WaLiQuote Reply
Okay so according to the roster page, Cubs will be at about $96.8 Million. That’s with Zambrano. Subract $18 mil from that (but add $2.6 for Volstad) and you have $81.4. Soriano is due 18 and if we tell him to walk, money owed to players on the Cubs 40-man roster will be at $63.4 mil. Soriano and Z will be paid $33 mil.
So the Cubs will be paying more than half of the 40-man for 2 players not even on the team, assuming we tell Soriano to walk (dying laughing)
Obviously you still have to consider the money owed to them when calculating roster cost, but I just think this is funny… in a sad kind of way.
WaLiQuote Reply
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/1/5/2683850/sir-chris-of-volstad-archduke-of-xfip
GBTSQuote Reply
The Cubs still pay $15 million of Z’s contract. Add in the $2.6 million that Volstad likely gets in arbitration and they save only 400,000. Oddly enough, this trade freed up no payroll whatsoever.
mb21Quote Reply
[quote name=mb21]The Cubs still pay $15 million of Z’s contract. Add in the $2.6 million that Volstad likely gets in arbitration and they save only 400,000. Oddly enough, this trade freed up no payroll whatsoever.[/quote]So much for my theory. Seems like the Cubs really did just want to get rid of Z. I’m still surprised they got the return they did, though.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Pretty clear they value a clean slate going into this thing. Z could not have been anything but a distraction in 2012, even if he “reformed”. With the team likely to suck, the narrative would have been on whether or not Z had really changed, and if he wasn’t pitching well, then it would get even uglier. I am now totally OK with this move and ready to move on, despite the sadness of the situation.
Suburban kidQuote Reply
[quote name=Suburban kid]Pretty clear they value a clean slate going into this thing. Z could not have been anything but a distraction in 2012, even if he “reformed”. With the team likely to suck, the narrative would have been on whether or not Z had really changed, and if he wasn’t pitching well, then it would get even uglier. I am now totally OK with this move and ready to move on, despite the sadness of the situation.[/quote]Pretty much. I’m sure it became clear to Thoyer early on that the local baseball writers didn’t want to talk about anything else, and that no matter what happened Z’s behavior was going to be a constant topics of discussion. And as we saw with Bradley, when those guys don’t get the reaction they want, they’ll go to the ends of the earth to provoke the reaction they want. Best for all involved to remove the catalyst. And at the end of the day, the Cubs got a serviceable MLB arm in return for an eminently entertaining, hardworking, competitor whose skills are sadly and quickly in decline.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
That was cool.
GBTSQuote Reply
What I’ve found off about this trade and the others is that there has been almost no mention of Hoyer. Everything is about Theo.
If the Cubs finally do well Hoter will get no credit. Not a big deal just interesting to me.
RodrigoQuote Reply
That was supposed to say odd.
RodrigoQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo]What I’ve found off about this trade and the others is that there has been almost no mention of Hoyer. Everything is about Theo.
If the Cubs finally do well Hoter will get no credit. Not a big deal just interesting to me.[/quote]I’m not sure the two are or should be distinguished in these kinds of transactions. I think they work pretty much in harness. Theo is the face, sure, but I’m not convinced yet that that isn’t exactly the way the Cubs and Thoyer want it to be.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
Not photoshopped.
Dr. Aneus TaintQuote Reply
This has most of the restaurants we talked about yesterday, plus a few more.
http://chicago.eater.com/archives/2012/01/04/updated-the-38-essential-chicago-restaurants-jan-12.php
Aisle424Quote Reply
I’d really like to punch Telander.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/9818701-419/carlos-zambranos-off-to-the-land-of-oz.html
Rodrigo RamirezQuote Reply
Anyone else notice that the Cubs have gotten considerably whiter in this off-season? Not really a criticism, just an observation. Maybe it’s a coincidence. I know Manny Corpas is African/Carribean, but otherwise they’ve lost several players of color and acquired several white guys. Could we get a new +/- about this from Kaplan or whoever came up with that?
26.2cubsfanQuote Reply
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I’d really like to punch Telander.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/9818701-419/carlos-zambranos-off-to-the-land-of-oz.html%5B/quote%5DHe's such a fucking hypocritical, hackneyed piece of shit.
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
(dying laughing)
GBTSQuote Reply
[quote name=Rodrigo Ramirez]I’d really like to punch Telander.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/9818701-419/carlos-zambranos-off-to-the-land-of-oz.html%5B/quote%5DI don’t understand how anyone can read something like that for pleasure if their IQ is above 30.
GBTSQuote Reply
Just getting around to reading this fantastic post, but I call BS. No way that any of Carlos’s best starts came after he signed his big contract extension. He stopped caring after that.
AndCountingQuote Reply
[quote name=GBTS]I don’t understand how anyone can read something like that for pleasure if their IQ is above 30.[/quote]I spoke with Telander once, and I came away with the distinct impression that he isn’t the sharpest knife in any drawer. And I loved “Heaven is a Playground.”
Mercurial OutfielderQuote Reply
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]
[/quote](dying laughing)
This is now my favorite thing to every be posted on this blog.
fang2415Quote Reply
[quote name=fang2415](dying laughing)
This is now my favorite thing to every be posted on this blog.[/quote]All its missing is a horse QWOPing.
GBTSQuote Reply
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/Carlos-Zambrano-and-Chicago-finally-write-the-un?urn=mlb-wp29276
Not because of Duk’s article but because it’s a bummer to see Z go out like this.
Rice CubeQuote Reply
new shit: http://obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/the-4th-annual-and-final-how-good-has-carlos-zambrano-been-in-his-career-post.html
mb21Quote Reply