The Cubs move Carlos Zambrano to the bullpen to make room for Ted Lilly:
Piniella said Zambrano’s “stuff, experience and durability” were the factors in the decision.
“I talked to Carlos today and told him we really needed him in the bullpen, and I felt he could do a really nice job there for us,” Piniella said. “He said he would do what’s best for the team. I’m very appreciative. You know, he talked about maturing. This proves it to me.”
This isn’t moving Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes, this is the team’s ace. Remember when CC Sabathia got off to a horrible start in 2008? No one thought about moving him to the bullpen. With management like that, no wonder the Cubs haven’t been to the World Series in 65 years.
Goat Riders of the Apocalypse is incensed:
So why — why?!? – does Lou Piniella and the Cubs pick Carlos Zambrano to be the new set-up guy? How — how?!?! — does this make the Cubs better?
It’s not just a trivia question — it’s a mystery. It is a nonsensical riddle that will frustrate fans, enrage Zambrano, and possibly result in his eventual waiving of the no-trade clause so he can be sent to the Red Sox at far below his real value. (After all — who gives up a lot for a 16 million plus starter who’s been delegated to the bullpen? How does this drive up his value?)
Yes, he has a 7.45 ERA, but he’s struck out 26 and walked 10 in 19 1/3 innings. My guess is things are going to get better, not worse. Maybe Lou thinks he’s still with Tampa Bay and is sending Victor Zambrano to the pen. 🙂
I am speechless. How dumb is Pinella?
I actually like this move, and believe it or not, I brought this up a couple weeks ago with the reasoning that he is great, but he cannot keep his head screwed on straight for 7 innings at a time. I thought if you let him come in there and throw it like a maniac for 1 inning, he could be really effective. The other thing, which I didn’t think about, was that he has had a problem with cramping up in the summer months for years.
The only reason not to do this is his salary, but it’s not any of our money, so who cares? I think this makes the team better!
@Chris: I hope you’re right. The problem is as a short reliever, he can’t save nearly as many runs as a stater. My guess, however, is that one of the Cubs starters blows up and Zambrano is back in the rotation sooner than later.
This isn’t necessarily an indictment of Zambrano as it is a vote of confidence about the rest of the pitching staff. Look at the rest of the options:
Dempster – already was converted out of the bullpen in the past and has been pitching well so far this year.
Gorzelanny – The Cubs already have enough lefties in the bullpen and would be left with only one in the rotation (Lilly).
Silva – Call it a career resurgence. Call it a fluke. Call it what it most likely is – a switch to the National League, which almost always helps starters. He’s pitching way too well (0.95 ERA) to “demote” him.
Wells – Also pitching well; additionally, doesn’t really have the stuff (similar to Silva) that profiles well for a reliever.
So, that really leaves Zambrano, who could truly help shore up a bullpen which has been nothing short of a nightmare so far this year.
@Matt: They could also trade Silva while his value was high.
David, I think Silva would need to pitch well into June to have any kind of trade value at all, don’t you?