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
[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.
2003 Zambrano was a fucking beast.
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.
.
Z is easily my favorite cub though. Just a fun guy to watch.
Nice post.
How could those all be his best games? He LOST some of them. NOT AN ACE!!!
Good luck in Miami, Z.
I noticed none of those games are in the playoffs either. NOT AN ACE!!!!
[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.
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.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/volstad-heads-to-chicago/
[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.
[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)
I really want him to win Cy Younbg this yeqar
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
[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.
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 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.
[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.
[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?
I could be wrong. Hell I guess Guillen and Z could be a match made in heaven, and they extend him.
[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.
[quote name=Berselius]That means the Cubs get $5m, right?[/quote]But they have to use that to pay Marlon Byrd.
[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.
Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
(dying laughing)
[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.
[quote name=mb21]Matt Garza
Ryan Dempster
Chris Volstad
Travis Wood
Randy Wells
??????????????
PROFIT
(dying laughing)[/quote]Let’s See What Happens
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.
[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.
Carlos’ 130 OPS + last year was better than everyone but Ramirez (now also gone), LaHair (69 PAs) and Clevenger (2 PAs).
Based on Clevenger’s 2 PA I think we can project 11 WAR from him alone. (dying laughing)
The Cubs also traded their best pinch hitter tonight.
[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.
[quote name=Berselius]That means the Cubs get $5m, right?[/quote]
Yes. I also am going to score huge on my perpetual motion machine:
[quote name=shawndgoldman]Yes. I also am going to score huge on my perpetual motion machine.
[/quote]Masturbation jokes are so over.
Begin trib-type speculation…
This means the Theo regime will eat salary, and Soriano will be traded next.
… end trib-style speculation.
I guess we’ll probably need to change the @OVBlog twitter avatar now.
[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.
[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)
Alfonso Soriano = second longest tenured Cub
Or Carlos Marmol if you ignore his option to AAA to begin the 2007 season
[quote name=Aisle424]I guess we’ll probably need to change the @OVBlog twitter avatar now.[/quote]And the favicon. Any ideas?
[quote name=mb21]And the favicon. Any ideas?[/quote]Cubbie facepalm.
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[quote name=Steve Swisher]I think that’s a legitimate point.
Download | Convert YouTube to MP3
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.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Cubbie facepalm.[/quote]That’s a good idea.
[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)
[quote name=mb21]The Cubs also traded their best
pinchhitter tonight.[/quote]Too easy.
[quote name=mb21]And the favicon. Any ideas?[/quote]Matt Garza. That way you can just change it again in a week or so.
I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?
[quote name=mb21]I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?[/quote]
I am demanding a reality show all season long filming in the Marlins clubhouse. It will be called Loco Room.
[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.
[quote name=mb21]I updated the favicon to the cubby facepalm. Any other ideas?[/quote]
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 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?
Poor Soriano. With Ramirez and Z gone, he will bear the full brunt of the beat writers’ angst.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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?
So sad. But it had to happen. Would have loved to see him hoist the MLB world series trophy
[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.
[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)
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 name=Aisle424]
[/quote]Done: http://www.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.
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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
MB where is that Z cannot win with the fans or the media piece you wrote at ACB 1.0?
[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.
[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
[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.
[quote name=mb21]comments are gone, but here it is: http://www.dmick89.com/cubs/?p=391/quoteThanks!
[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.
Phil Rogers just ripped into z in hIs column. I agree with about fifty percent
[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.
West Virginia is kicking Clemson’s ass.
(dying laughing)
Yellon thought Gaby Sanchez could have been in the deal.
[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..
[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
Awesome: http://aeryssports.com/a-league-of-her-own/z-to-miami-for-chris-volstad/#comment-21070
.
[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.
[quote name=mb21]Awesome: http://aeryssports.com/a-league-of-her-own/z-to-miami-for-chris-volstad/#comment-21070
.[/quote]Outfuckingstanding.
[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)
[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.
[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.
Is bcb turrible right now?
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
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Is bcb turrible right now?[/quote]Right now?
Volstad’s BB/9 has been steadily declining for four years.
Can someone explain to me what the point of re-signing Kerry Wood is?
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Right now?[/quote]I mean more so than normal
[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.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Can someone explain to me what the point of re-signing Kerry Wood is?[/quote]
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]Is bcb turrible right now?[/quote]Don’t know. I don’t think I’ve visited that page for several months.
[quote name=bubblesdachimp]I mean more so than normal[/quote]That’s like some kind of infinite halves distinction.
[quote name=GBTS]
[/quote]I stand corrected.
[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.
Is the bulimic unicorn available in the OV store?
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 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.
[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.
[quote name=Rice Cube]Is the bulimic unicorn available in the OV store?[/quote]No, but we really should update that place. (dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
That would be fucking sensational.
Tim has raised the ire of mouthbreathing masses on Twitter.
jesus, Kaplan is repeatedly tweeting for people to look at pictures of Tebows girlfriend. hilarious and rediculous
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
[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.
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
Tim is doing the Lord’s work on Twitter.
[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.
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
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.
[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.
[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.
Plus after Vogelbach hits 60 HR’s next year in the minors we will have a spot for him.
[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.
i dunno MO. Dan Vogelbach is my new favorite prospect. I hope he does nothing but hit and force his way up
[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.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Tim is doing the Lord’s work on Twitter.[/quote]I’m exhausted.
[quote name=Aisle424]I’m exhausted.[/quote]Cub fans don’t deserve nice things.
[quote name=Mercurial Outfielder]Cub fans don’t deserve nice things.[/quote]And they won’t have any for a few years.
[quote name=Aisle424]And they won’t have any for a few years.[/quote]Indeed.
Lost in the hubbub is that the Cubs beat writers were once again scooped.
[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
[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.
[quote name=Berselius]Not selling jeans here, etc. etc[/quote]Sure. I’m just wary of guys who are that big at that age.
Harry Pav has picked up where I left off on Twiiter.
[quote name=Aisle424]Harry Pav has picked up where I left off on Twiiter.[/quote]
I thought that was a good picture to symbolize a shift change. Not hinting that you and Harry are enemies on good terms.
[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)
[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)
Oh, the offseason
http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/05/photo-of-the-day-is-alex-rodriguez-a-nerd-or-a-hipster/
[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].
[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)
^^^^^^^^^^
that was one cool story, bro
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]
[/quote](dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
(dying laughing)
would love to see it full screen
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.
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.
http://mlb.sbnation.com/2012/1/5/2683850/sir-chris-of-volstad-archduke-of-xfip
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 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.
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 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.
That was cool.
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.
That was supposed to say odd.
[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.
Not photoshopped.
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
I’d really like to punch Telander.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/9818701-419/carlos-zambranos-off-to-the-land-of-oz.html
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?
[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/quoteHe's such a fucking hypocritical, hackneyed piece of shit.
(dying laughing)
[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/quoteI don’t understand how anyone can read something like that for pleasure if their IQ is above 30.
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.
[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.”
[quote name=Dr. Aneus Taint]
[/quote](dying laughing)
This is now my favorite thing to every be posted on this blog.
[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.
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.
new shit: http://www.obstructedview.net/chicago-cubs/articles/the-4th-annual-and-final-how-good-has-carlos-zambrano-been-in-his-career-post.html