Blogs

Carlos Zambrano

Pitcher
Position
P
Bats
S
Throws
R

Contract: Signed through 2013, club option for 2014

  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 255 lbs
  • Born: Jun 1, 1981

  • Debut: August 20, 2001

SEASON

IPWSKERA

Newsbreakers

December 30, 2009

Carlos Zambrano will not be traded this offseason, according to Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated.

Our View:

While the Cubs still very much want to deal him, Big Z seems very unlikely to waive his no trade clause. Were he to reverse course and do so, Heyman thinks the Mets would be very interested. The Yankees are no longer a possibility after acquiring Javier Vazquez.

December 28, 2009

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated tweeted that the Yankees inquired about Cubs' ace hurler Carlos Zambrano.

Our View:

They contacted the Cubs before signing Javier Vazquez, who used to pitch for the cross-town rival White Sox. The Cubs are willing to move Zambrano, but he does have a no-trade clause in his contract.

December 21, 2009

Jon Heyman of Sports Illustrated reports that the Cubs are willing to trade starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

Our View:

That being said, he has a lot of money left on his contract, and a no-trade clause. Big Z's days on the North Side of Chicago do not appear to be numbered.

December 21, 2009

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has discussed the possibility of a deal for Carlos Zambrano with the Cubs, according to the New York Post.

Our View:

Still, keep in mind that the same column says the Yankees are much more likely to fill their need for another starter through free agency. Expect Zambrano to stick with the Cubs because, coming off a down year, it's unlikely any team will be willing to give up the still-hefty package Chicago would be asking for in return.

September 30, 2009

Coming off a two-hitter, Carlos Zambrano got hit hard in the second game of a double-header at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, allowing four runs in six innings, as the Cubs lost 8-2 to the Pirates.

Our View:

Big Z has had a frustrating year in 2009, failing to win at least 13 games for the first time since 2002. If tonight ends up being his last, which is likely, he finishes the season 9-7 with a 3.77 ERA in 28 starts.

September 28, 2009

Carlos Zambrano told the Chicago Tribune that he is considering retiring after next season if his play does not improve. "Look, this is the only season I haven't won 16 or 18 or 14 games. 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 said.

Our View:

Big Z has always been known for saying what's on his mind, but we highly doubt he will quit after next season. He may not have the stuff he once did, but he still has plenty of money on the table that he won't collect if he takes his ball and goes home.

September 25, 2009

Carlos Zambrano only surrendered two hits over nine scoreless innings in Friday's 3-0 win at San Francisco. He issued one walk and fired eight strikeouts.

Our View:

Zambrano improved his record to 9-6, and collected his first complete game and shutout of 2009. The ace hurler allowed two or less earned runs in four of his five starts in September.

September 21, 2009

Were the Cubs to go ahead and explore trading Carlos Zambrano (who has a full no-trade clause) this offseason, like they reportedly plan to do, the Boston Globe reports he would only accept a trade to the White Sox, Red Sox or Dodgers.

Our View:

The White Sox would likely have the most interest. Big Z's balky contract, three years remaining on a $90 million deal, would be hard to move, however.

September 20, 2009

Carlos Zambrano did not factor into the decision on Sunday as the Cubs outlasted the Cardnals in 11 innings by a score of 6-3. Zambrano went six innings and allowed two runs on five hits while walking three and striking out six.

Our View:

Big Z was solid in tonight's game, but his 2009 season has still been a major disappointment. He is not the pitcher he once was, but he still has the stuff to be effective when he is on.

September 17, 2009

According to the Chicago Tribune, Carlos Zambrano has no intention of waiving his no-trade clause.

Our View:

The fans want Big Z run out of town and ownership would love to unload the $53 million left on his contract with an offseason move, but knowing Zambrano's poisonous attitude he'd likely stay just to piss people off. He's clearly no longer the ace he once was, and he's definitely not worth what the Cubs are paying him, but it looks like they're handcuffed. Expect him to remain in Chi-town next year.

September 15, 2009

Carlos Zambrano allowed five runs on six hits and four walks over five innings on Tuesday. He struck out nine and did not earn a decision in the Cubs 13-7 win over the Brewers.

Our View:

The nine Ks are nice, but Zambrano had a pretty disastrous outing. He earned quality starts in his two previous outings, so he's got something left in the tank, but he's clearly no longer the fantasy stud he once was. Outings like Tuesday's have been frequent this season.

September 15, 2009

Carlos Zambrano could be traded this offseason, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

It's no secret that many in the Cubs organization have grown tired of Zambrano's antics, from his caffeine addiction, to his admitted laziness about staying in shape. He has a full no-trade clause, but sounded more than willing to waive it. "Maybe if I go to a different city next year, if I get traded, I can do what I want," he told the paper. Aside from the attitude problems, he has a gargantuan contract (three years remaining on a $90 million deal), though, and could be difficult to move for much value in return. Trades will certainly be explored, but odds are that he will be a Cub on Opening Day 2010.

September 9, 2009

Carlos Zambrano held the lowly Pirates to just two runs on five hits and three walks over six innings. He fanned eight and earned his eighth victory with an 8-5 Chicago win.

Our View:

Big Z has had a frustrating season marred with injury and bad behavior, but the fire-spitting Chicago ace has put together two quality starts in a row. The win was also his first since July 22nd.

September 4, 2009

Carlos Zambrano put together a nice start on Friday, but he did not factor into the decision as the Cubs fell to the Mets 6-2. Zambrano went six innings and allowed one run on three hits while walking three and striking out seven.

Our View:

Big Z looked much better tonight than he has in recent starts, but it looks like it might be too little too late for the Cubbies. While tonight's performance is encouraging, fantasy owners should still be careful with Zambrano down the stretch unless the Cubs start to turn things around.

August 30, 2009

Carlos Zambrano got yanked after just 3.1 innings on Sunday. He allowed four runs (three earned) on 11 hits and was handed his sixth loss of the season as the Cubs fell to the Mets 4-1.

Our View:

The 11-hit performance is the highest total he has allowed all season and he did it in just 3.1 innings. He threw 75 pitches before getting pulled and the Mets clearly saw something in his deliver and jumped all over it.

August 25, 2009

Carlos Zambrano got hammered in his return to the mound on Tuesday as the Cubs got embarrassed by the Nationals 15-6. Zambrano went 4.1 innings and allowed eight runs on seven hits while walking three and striking out four.

Our View:

Big Z would have been better off staying on the DL tonight, because he was not good. He didn't look like himself, and if the Cubs have any shot of staying in the race, he is going to have to pick up his game and return to his past form.

August 25, 2009

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have activated Carlos Zambrano to start Tuesday night's game against the Nationals.

Our View:

Big Z looked good in his rehab start in Peoria, and his back is much improved. He may be coming off injury, but he has an excellent match-up tonight against the Nationals, so get him active.

August 20, 2009

Carlos Zambrano (back) had a successful rehab outing for Single-A Peoria on Thursday,

Our View:

Big Z mowed down the Single-A hitters he faced to the tune of four hits and five strikeouts in five scoreless innings. As long as he feels good these next few days, he will be reinserted into the Cubs rotation next week.

August 17, 2009

Carlos Zambrano tells the Chicago Tribune that a possible reason for his lingering back problems this season is that he has been lazy about between-start workouts.

Our View:

Always a wonderful thing to hear from someone getting paid $17.75 million. Big Z says he has been skipping ab workouts all season that doctors believe will relieve stress on the discs in his back. For what it's worth, he's now vowed to start doing them regularly. He also said his current back injury has nothing to do with his over-the-top batting practice routine. He is scheduled to return on August 25 vs. the Nationals.

August 11, 2009

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Carlos Zambrano isn't expected to miss more than the minimum 15 days he has to be out.

Our View:

Big Z had an had an "epidural administered in the area of his bulging disk Sunday night," which is expected to do the trick. Stay tuned for updates, but be ready to activate him next week.

August 9, 2009

The back problems that recently sent Carlos Zambrano to the disabled list could be a result of his "exuberant approach to batting practice before his starts," according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our View:

Zambrano is a famously prideful hitter, and the caffeine addicted power righty relishes hitting tape measure shots in batting practice. Only problem is, they make his achy back sing. Look for the Cubs to be forced to rein in their Silver Slugging pitcher at the plate for the rest of the season.

August 8, 2009

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Cubs have placed ace Carlos Zambrano on the 15-day disabled list with a sore back.

Our View:

The move is retroactive to August 1st, so Big Z will be eligible to return on August 17th. Still no word on the MRI he was scheduled for, but the pain that forced him from his August 1st start after three innings was enough to shelve the big right-hander. No word on if he'll spend the minimum amount of time on the DL, or if he'll need an extended stay.

August 8, 2009

Carlos Zambrano could be heading for a trip to the DL, according to ESPN Chicago. The team will wait until they get the results of Zambrano's MRI before making a decision.

Our View:

Big Z has been hurting for his last two starts, and Cubs assistant GM Randy Bush told ESPN that it seems very likely that Zambrano will be placed on the DL. This is exactly what the Cubs didn't need right now, but we will know more after the MRI results come back.

August 7, 2009

Carlos Zambrano was scratched from his start against the Rockies on Friday with a stiff lower back, according to the Associated Press.

Our View:

Zambrano also left his last start after just three innings with a stiff back. The team hasn't said anything yet, but the disabled list sounds like a real possibility, perhaps retroactively.

August 3, 2009

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano could be used out of the bullpen this week. Zambrano is scheduled to pitch Friday, but the team could use him in relief to help save their depleted bullpen while allowing Zambrano to regain some stamina.

Our View:

Manager Lou Pinella has mentioned this two straight days, but Big Z sounds like he has no interest in pitching out of the pen. This scenario seems unlikely, but regardless of whether or not he pitches out of the pen this week, it looks like he will be good to go Friday for the start.

August 1, 2009

Carlos Zambrano left Saturday's game at Florida in the third inning after experiencing back stiffness, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

Jeff Samardzija replaced him on the hill. The severity of Zambrano's ailment is yet to be determined, and the Cubs did not speculate if he may miss any starts.

July 27, 2009

Carlos Zambrano only issued one earned run on three hits over seven innings in Monday's 5-1 win over the Astros at Wrigley Field. He had four walks and four strikeouts. The battle took 13 innings to decide a victor.

Our View:

Zambrano pitched very well, and it is a shame he was forced to take a no-decision rather than a win. On the positive side, he trimmed his ERA to 3.36, and has not taken a loss over his last four starts.

July 22, 2009

Carlos Zambrano pitched six relatively rocking innnings on Wednesday, but still mangaged to earn his seventh win of the season, as the Cubs avoided a sweep in Philadelphia, winning 10-5.

Our View:

Big Z isn't the power pitcher he once was, but still has good peripherals (solid ERA, decent WHIP), and usually pitches well in the second half. He's not an elite fantasy pitcher anymore, but a very serviceable one.

July 17, 2009

Carlos Zambrano picked up another win on Friday as the Cubs defeated the Nationals by a score of 3-1. Zambrano went five innings and allowed one unearned run on four hits while walking four and striking out six.

Our View:

Big Z has put together a few good starts in a row now, although the four walks aren't exactly what owners want to see. This was against the lowly Nats, so don't believe he is back, but the last two starts are encouraging for owners.

July 12, 2009

Carlos Zambrano picked up his fifth win of the season on Sunday as the Cubs beat the Cardinals in the first game of a doubleheader. Zambrano went six innings and allowed three runs on five hits while walking two and striking out seven.

Our View:

Big Z looked pretty good today, especially considering he hasn't been great this season. Zambrano owners need to hope he can build on this start, because he has been disappointing so far in the first half.

July 11, 2009

Carlos Zambrano will start the opener of Sunday's doubleheader against the Cardinals, according to MLBblogs.com. Randy Wells will take the hill for the nightcap.

Our View:

Zambrano was initially going to pitch the second game, but skipper Lou Piniella flip-flopped him and Wells for an undisclosed reason. Regardless, Zambrano should be employed in fantasy lineups in his last start before the All-Star break.

July 7, 2009

Carlos Zambrano was solid but not dominant on Tuesday, a common theme for his 2009 season, and took the loss as the Braves narrowly defeated the Cubs 2-1.

Our View:

Big Z pitched alright on short notice, his start was moved up a day because of Ryan Dempster's injury, but he again didn't will the Cubs to victory the way he used to. He is still a very effective fantasy starter, just not a top-tier one anymore.

July 7, 2009

According to MLBlogs.com, Cubs' starter Carlos Zambrano will start Tuesday night in place of the injured Ryan Dempster. Zambrano was originally scheduled to start on Wednesday this week.

Our View:

Big Z owners need to move fast and get him in the lineup tonight, especially against the struggling Braves. Dempster was a late scratch, and the Cubs really didn't have any option other than moving Zambrano up a day. Get him in if you can.

July 3, 2009

Carlos Zambrano held the Brewers to one run on five hits and three walks over seven innings on Friday, but did not factor in the decision. The Cubs eventually won 2-1 on a bases loaded walk in the tenth.

Our View:

Big Z only struck out three in the game, but delivered at the plate once again. He was 1-for-2 and drove in the Cubs only run of the first nine innings. Zambrano now has six quality starts in his last seven outings.

June 30, 2009

According to a highly unofficial Chicago Tribune poll, 57 percent of its readers would support releasing Carlos Zambrano.

Our View:

Obviously, there is a near zero percent chance of this happening, but Cubs fans appear to be tiring quickly of the madness that has been surrounding the team lately. After manager Lou Piniella and Milton Bradley exchanged heated words on Friday, Zambrano failed to win for the sixth time in seven starts on Sunday, and appeared to plunk two White Sox on purpose. He will not be released, but he will continue to fall out of favor with the fans if he keeps not winning games or throwing tantrums.

June 28, 2009

Carlos Zambrano was hit with his third loss of the season on Sunday as his Cubs were shut out by the White Sox 6-0. Zambrano went 5.1 innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits while walking two and striking out three.

Our View:

Big Z didn't get any run support today, but it didn't really matter because he wasn't very good. Zambrano is far from the dominant pitcher we have come to expect, but he is still decent and should be used in all leagues.

June 23, 2009

Carlos Zambrano pitched effectively on Tuesday, going seven innings and allowing three runs while striking out three, but took a no-decision as the Cubs blew a 4-3 lead in the ninth, losing 5-4 to Detroit.

Our View:

Zambrano is no longer the overpowering pitcher he once was, he has yet to strike out more than seven batters in a game this season, but is still consistent and a top-flight fantasy option. He routinely goes seven innings or more, and has given up more than three earned runs in only one start so far in 2009.

June 17, 2009

After having his scheduled Tuesday start rained out, Carlos Zambrano will now pitch on Thursday.

Our View:

He is taking Randy Wells' turn in the rotation.

June 16, 2009

The Cubs game against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday has been postponed due to rain.

Our View:

No word yet on when Big Z will pitch next, but it will likely be tomorrow. Stay tuned.

June 11, 2009

Carlos Zambrano said he was not bothered by manager Lou Piniella's decision to remove him from the game Wednesday after eight innings despite having only thrown 104 pitches and the game being tied 1-1 according to the Chicago Tribune. His replacement, Angel Guzman retired only one batter before giving up the winning run in the ninth.

Our View:

Piniella's decision, while not uncommon in the pitch count era of baseball, is particularly puzzling given the fact he said it was the best game he had ever seen Zambrano pitch. Big Z has won only once in four starts since returning from the disabled list.

June 10, 2009

Carlos Zambrano allowed only one run in eight innings of work, but he did not factor into the decision as the Cubs fell 2-1 on Wednesday. He struck out three while allowing only three hits and two walks.

Our View:

Zambrano has been excellent in his three starts since losing his mind against the Padres. All three starts have come against NL Central teams. He has allowed only two earned runs in 21 innings during that span. If he could get a little more run support, we could be talking about one of the better pitchers in the NL over the past month.

June 7, 2009

Skipper Lou Piniella is not taking Carlos Zambrano's comments that he intends to retire at the end of his five-year deal with the Cubs seriously, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Piniella said, "Ask him in a week, and he will probably want an extension."

Our View:

Piniella realizes that Zambrano is among the most eccentric players on the Cubs' roster. Zambrano is only 28 years old, and Piniella does not expect him to retire prematurely.

June 6, 2009

According to MLB.com, Carlos Zambrano stated that he will retire once his current five-year, $91.5 million contract is up. He is in the second year of said contract.

Our View:

Zambrano, only 28 years old and fresh off his 100th victory had this to say, "After this contract, I'm done. I'm serious. I don't want to play. I want to help this team, I want to do everything possible to win with this team, but after five years or four years, or whatever I have left on my contract, I just don't want to play. Do you know how many things I've lost in my life?" What a rough life it is earning millions of dollars to play a game that you supposedly love. We feel for you Big Z. We really do.

June 5, 2009

Carlos Zambrano was dominant in Friday's 2-1 win at Cincinnati, as he only allowed two hits over 6.2 scoreless innings. He issued five walks and fired seven strikeouts. He helped his own cause with a home run as well.

Our View:

This was Zambrano's best outing of the season, despite the five free passes. It is not an easy feat to shut down the Reds at the Great American Ballpark.

June 3, 2009

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Carlos Zambrano missed the team's scheduled charter flight on Monday without permission.

Our View:

Big Z was hauled into Lou Piniella's office and reprimanded (we're guessing very loudly), but it doesn't look like the team will pursue any action against him. The reason he missed the flight remains unknown. Zambrano is currently serving a six-game suspension for an altercation with an umpire last wednesday.

May 28, 2009

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that Carlos Zambrano has apologized to MLB for his outburst in Wednesday's game. Zambrano was suspended six by the league after his tirade yesterday.

Our View:

Zambrano wants to move on, but his performance in the tirade yesterday was pretty intense. He will serve his suspension and pay the fine, but his actions will live forever on YouTube.

May 28, 2009

SI.com is reporting that Carlos Zambrano has been suspended six games and fined $3,000 for his actions Wednesday in the Cubs' win over the Pirates.

Our View:

No surprise here as it was expected that Big Z would get suspended. The sort of surprising thing is that the bumping of the umpire does not seem to be the reason he was suspended, but instead it was his over-the-top antics after his ejection. He will miss one start, so fantasy owners keep that in mind going forward.

May 27, 2009

According to the Arlington Daily Herald, Carlos Zambrano is likely facing a suspension after being ejected in the seventh inning of Wednesday's game against the Pirates.

Our View:

MLB will likely look into this tomorrow and Zambrano seems destined to be reprimanded. He bumped the umpire and then threw a series of animated temper tantrums after thinking that he tagged a runner out at the plate following his wild pitch. The runner was safe and Big Z was out of line. He chucked a ball into the stands, threw his glove across the field and then grabbed a bat and proceeded to destroy anything he could find in the dugout with it. He'll likely miss at least one start once MLB hands out the penalty.

May 27, 2009

Carlos Zambrano allowed two runs (one earned) on seven hits and three walks over 6.1 innings in a 5-2 win over the Pirates. He fanned six, but did not factor in the decision.

Our View:

Big Z allowed a lot of base runners in this one, but managed to work his way out of jams. In two starts since coming off the DL he has walked seven batters in 11 innings and if this trend continues he won't be as fortunate as he was on Wednesday.

May 23, 2009

Carlos Zambrano struck out seven batters in 4.2 innings against the Padres on Friday. However, Big Z took the loss by surrendering three runs on three hits and four walks.

Our View:

Zambrano obviously had some control issues tonight, but a lot of that may have been due to the rust he accumulated while on the DL. He was supposed to be on an 85-90 pitch count, but he threw 97 tonight.

May 22, 2009

Carlos Zambrano has been activated from the 15-day DL and is scheduled to pitch on Friday night against Jake Peavy and the Padres. He is recovering from a strained left hamstring.

Our View:

In three career starts in San Diego, Big Z is 2-0 with a 1.42 ERA and a .375 batting average. This is as pitcher friendly a matchup that Zambrano owners can hope for, so be sure to get him into your lineups.

May 17, 2009

Carlos Zambrano surrendered four runs over 3.2 innings of work Sunday in his rehab outing with Single-A Daytona, according to the Daily Herald. He is recovering from a strained left hamstring.

Our View:

Zambrano did not pitch well, but is still expected to be activated from the DL to start Friday's game against the Padres. Sean Marshall will come out of the rotation and work in the bullpen upon his return.

May 14, 2009

Carlos Zambrano continues to make a quick recovery from his strained left hamstring, according to MLB.com. He did some fielding drills today, and commented that he "felt like a cat" on the mound.

Our View:

He is ready for a rehab start with Single-A Daytona Sunday, and is expected to throw 75 pitches. He remains on pace to return to the Cubs' rotation May 22 against San Diego.

May 13, 2009

According to MLB.com, Carlos Zambrano's bullpen session on Wednesday was very successful. It was is first he had taken the hill since straining his hamstring on May 3rd.

Our View:

The next step for Big Z is to head to the Florida State League for a rehab start this weekend. Assuming all goes well, he will be slated to start on May 22nd against the Padres.

May 12, 2009

According to MLB.com, Carlos Zambrano will throw a bullpen session on Wednesday and barring any setbacks will be slated for a rehab start this weekend.

Our View:

Big Z's hammy seems to be progressing and he is penciled in to return to the rotation on May 22nd. The Cubs would get boost from Zambrano's return, but he has struggled early this season with a 4.50 ERA in six starts.

May 9, 2009

Carlos Zambrano, who is recovering from a strained left hamstring, is slated to throw a bullpen session during the middle of next week, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

The Cubs believe he is on pace to return to the team on May 19. His pen session will give the club an idea if he can meet that estimate.

May 5, 2009

Carlos Zambrano began his rehab from his hamstring injury Tuesday, playing catch with strength coach Tim Buss and throwing a few pitches off the bullpen mound, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Our View:

Big Z is expected to be out 2-3 weeks, but we're guessing he will do his best to beat that timetable.

May 4, 2009

ESPN reports that Carlos Zambrano has been placed on the 15-day DL with a sore hamstring. He is expected to miss two to three weeks.

Our View:

Zambrano injured his hammy while legging out a single. He should return at full strength and once he does let's hope he is more effective than he was to start out the season. Despite a 3-1 record, he has posted a 4.50 ERA and 1.42 WHIP.

May 4, 2009

Carlos Zambrano could land on the 15-day DL due to a strained left hamstring, according to ESPN.

Our View:

Jeff Zamardzija would be a candidate for starts if Zambrano is shut down. We will keep you posted on Zambrano.

May 3, 2009

Carlos Zambrano left Sunday's game in the fifth inning with an apparent hamstring injury, according to the Chicago Tribune. He hurt himself legging out a bunt and was replaced by Rich Harden on the bases and Angel Guzman on the mound.

Our View:

No word yet on the severity of the injury, but any time Big Z gets hurt there is a danger that he could miss significant time. We will keep you updated on his status.

April 29, 2009

Carlos Zambrano earned his second win of the season on Tuesday with seven innings of three run ball on eight hits and two walks. The Cubs ripped the D-Backs 11-3 and Big Z was 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run.

Our View:

Zambrano is easily the most dangerous hitting pitcher in the game today. Along with his home run and three hits, he also drove in two and scored three runs. Too bad that's the same number he struck out over seven innings. The hits were impressive and the win was nice for fantasy owners, but the three Ks were low. Too bad offensive stats don't count for pitchers.

April 23, 2009

Carlos Zambrano had a quality start on Thursday, but got stuck with the loss as the Cubs could only muster one run against the Reds. Big Z allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks over seven innings. He's now 1-1 on the season.

Our View:

Zambrano kept up his solid strikeout rate this season with seven Ks in seven innings on Thursday, but his 4.85 ERA is troubling. He's no longer the ace he once was, but he's still a serviceable fantasy starter.

April 17, 2009

Carlos Zambrano got roughed up in his outing against the Cardinals on Friday, going seven innings and allowing seven runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out seven. He did not factor into the decision.

Our View:

Zambrano looked dominant at times today, but for the most part the Cardinals had their way with Big Z. He got touched for three home runs, two of them by Ryan Ludwick. His strikeout total has been nice so far this season, but his ERA is high at 5.21. He is still a good, but not great, fantasy pitcher.

April 6, 2009

Carlos Zambrano struck out six hitters over six innings as the Cubs defeated the Astros 4-2 on Monday. He scattered five hits and three walks while allowing just one run on his way to his first win of the season.

Our View:

Zambrano threw 59 of 97 pitches for strikes over his six innings of work. He showed plenty of velocity as his fastball was regularly clocked in the mid-90s.

April 1, 2009

Carlos Zambrano allowed one run in a short outing on Wednesday. He tossed 3.1 innings and gave up two hits and two walks.

Our View:

Zambrano has had a fairly successful spring and the Cubs will be counting on him to lead their staff. But fantasy owners shouldn't count on him being the ace and strikeout maven he once was. He's in the down slope of his a career.

March 27, 2009

Carlos Zambrano allowed two runs on five hits and two walks over six innings Friday. He struck out three in the contest. he was credited with the victory.

Our View:

Zambrano is not the ace he used to be, but he's having a strong spring. Beware of high walk totals, a rising ERA and decreasing K-rate. The last three years are the pudding. The proof is in there.

March 22, 2009

Carlos Zambrano fared well in his fourth start of the spring as the Cubs beat Seattle 5-3 on Sunday. The starter allowed four hits, no walks, and just one run while striking out six in four innings of work.

Our View:

Zambrano has 15 strikeouts to just three walks in 14 innings this spring. He has given up his fair share of hits, but as long as his body holds up, he should be another solid fantasy contributor in 2009.

March 17, 2009

Carlos Zambrano had an average day on the mound, but a phenomenal day at the plate Tuesday. He allowed three runs on three hits and two walks over five innings, but went 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI in the batter's box.

Our View:

Too bad Zambrano's bat can't help your fantasy team. His numbers on the mound have declined the past three seasons and is no longer considered a top option fantasy starter. He's fading, but can still help your team. Just don't break the bank on him.

March 12, 2009

Carlos Zambrano looked pretty good against Team Japan on Thurday, giving up one earned run (two total) off three hits and one walk while striking out two in four innings.

Our View:

It was announced earlier today that manager Lou Piniella has named Zambrano as Chicago's Opening Day starter despite the fact that he is coming off a season in which he posted the lowest K/9 mark of his career (6.20) and the highest H/9 mark (8.20). He should be useful, but don't expect a return to the glory days.

March 12, 2009

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Carlos Zambrano has been announced as the Cubs Opening Day starter. He will take the mound on the road April 6th against the Houston Astros.

Our View:

Be wary of Zambrano as his numbers have declined the past three seasons. He is no longer the fantasy ace he once was, but is a quality hurler as long as you don't pay too much or grab him too early.

March 7, 2009

Carlos Zambrano was alright in his second spring training start, giving up two runs off four hits while striking out five in three innings against Milwaukee.

Our View:

While it wasn't his finest outing, it was good to see the five strikeouts without any walks. Zambrano will look for a bounce-back campaign in 2009 after regressing in 2008.

March 2, 2009

Carlos Zambrano started against the Diamondbacks on Monday walking only one and striking out three in two hitless innings.

Our View:

Zambrano's shoulder didn't seem to be bothering him, which is a good sign, but a three year regression has dropped the Cub hurler out of elite starter territory. He could be a mid-round steal if he rebounds.

February 23, 2009

The AP reports that Carlos Zambrano is feeling better this spring than any one previous, despite some concerns about his shoulder. Last season, he had to receive a cortisone shot late in the season due to soreness in the joint, but he has reportedly strengthened it in the offseason. The Cubs' ace feels that it won't give him any problems this season.

Our View:

What may give him more problems is his right eye. He has been considering Lasik eye surgery for over a month to correct a problem with it, but he has yet to undergo the procedure.

February 13, 2009

The Chicago Tribune reports that Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano is taking prescription eye drops and may undergo Lasik eye surgery to correct a problem with his right eye.

Our View:

Whether Zambrano opts for surgery or chooses to take care of the problem on his own, the eye infection is not expected to cause him to miss any action this spring.

January 22, 2009

The Chicago Tribune reports that the Ricketts family appears to have won the bidding for the Chicago Cubs. The final figure is believed to be $900 million dollars.

Our View:

Oenership wanted to have the sale completed by opening day, and it appears they will get their wish. The Cubs are among the most valuable franchises in professional sports.

January 16, 2009

Carlos Zambrano will undergo LASIK surgery prior to spring training, according to MLB.com.

Our View:

Zambrano certainly didn't have any trouble seeing the ball last year, batting .337 for the Cubs while also hitting in 13 consecutive starts.

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