May 12, 2008...11:15 pm
Game 38
- Monday May 12th – Wrigley Field
- Cubs 12 – Padres 3
- Record (23-15) – 1st place in the NL Central
- Season-high 10-game homestand – (4-0)
The skinny: I’m starting to believe Carlos Zambrano (7 IP, 3-R, 6-H, 2-BB and 5-K) is actually maturing as a pitcher. And, it’s about time the right-hander came around too.
Don’t take that statement as harsh criticism, I understand Z is a wonderful pitcher, but this is Zambrano’s seventh season in the bigs. And, you’re lying if you think he shouldn’t have matured sooner.
Again, this isn’t about the kid’s numbers (88-56) but has everything to do with his maturity as a staff ace.
What I’m getting at is it’s better late than never for Carlos, now 27-years-old, to also mature as a professional.
Gone are the days of Carlos’ high pitch counts in the fifth inning, countless walks and the all too frequent hissy fits on the mound.
That was the juvenile Zambrano: this year’s performance is the grown man Zambrano. There’s a big difference.
Honestly, for a long time I’ve doubted Z would ever get this far mentally. Yet, for the first time in his career we’re seeing Carlos pitch smarter and with more self control. And that’s the recipe for a staff ace.
Plus, I think Carlos has a great shot at competing for a Cy Young Award in 2008, a personal goal he set last season.
Given Z’s maturity on the bump this year, he has a true shot at taking home some hardware come October.
I still can’t get over the recent weather here in Chicago: a whopping 40-degrees on May 12th.
After trudging through the city’s snowiest winter in 30 years, old man winter just won’t go away. If I had a car I’d back over him and his wintery beard on my way to work.
Anyway, today was my errands day so I had a good deal of time to kill while waiting for the El trains.
Mostly, I thought about Jim Edmonds possible playing for the Cubs. The Padres released the aging veteran last week after Jimmy got off to a terrible start at the plate (.178 avg).
I realized this afternoon that the only thing holding me back from making a baseball decision on Edmonds is my own personal dislike for the man.
Besides Edmonds show-boating in the outfield, conveniently turning long fly balls into highlight reel diving catches, he also has a reputation as a moody clubhouse guy.
However, I say give the man a contract. Because San Diego released Edmonds, the Cubs are only on the hook to pay him the league minimum anyway.
Plus, Jim will be re-motivated moving from the league’s worst team to a division leader; Felix Pie’s new batting approach is probably headed towards the minors and Chicago could benefit from a left handed power bat.
Nothing is worse than a contending team falling short in acquiring the final pieces for a championship run. After all, a team can never be sure when it might get another chance to win it all.
This happened in 2003 when the Cubs failed to upgrade its bullpen. By the time October came around manager Dusty Baker had little, if any, confidence in his bullpen. Prior and Wood were stretched out to compensate and well, the rest is history.
It’s all about getting to the World Series for Chicago. Take a chance on Edmonds and who cares if it doesn’t work out. Do whatever it takes to win now.
W: Zambrano (6-1)
L: Wolf (2-3)
- Notes: Chicago continues to lead the Major Leagues in runs scored having plated 223.
- Zambrano added long sleeves to his look after the third inning.
- Tonight’s victory marks the 11th time Chicago has rallied for a come from behind win.
- The Cubs have also won 15 of its 21 home games.
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