 |
| Being unable to control his emotions has really hurt the once bright career of Zambrano. |
It has been reported that Zambrano has waived his full no-trade clause to join the recently renamed and revamped Miami Marlins. Chicago will receive pitcher Chris Volstad in return. With the deal excepted to get done within the next 24 hours, Zambrano must first pass a physical.
The agreement was contingent upon the Cubs paying $15 million of the $18 million owed to Venezuelan in 2012.
Zambrano, who signed a five-year $91.5 million contract extension in August of 2007, also has a vesting option worth $19 million for the 2013 season. That is in fact if he finishes in the top four of the National League Cy Young voting. Miami shouldn't worry too much as he has never finished higher than fifth.
Known lately more for his emotional outbursts and mind-boggling antics than his, at times dominating pitching, the volatile Zambrano still has a chance to salvage what has been, up to this point, a good, but yet roller coaster of a career.
A 3-time All-Star, the 30-year-old righty's best overall season came in 2006. That season Zambrano posted a league-best 16 wins, tossed 214 innings and struck out 210 hitters, finishing in the top five of the NL Cy Young voting. The following year, Zambrano set a career-high in wins with a 18-13 record.
Fresh off his contract extension, the 2008 season started out great for the Zambrano. The 6-foot-5 starter kicked off the year 12-4 with a 2.76 earned run average before suffering numerous arm injuries that caused him to miss multiple starts.
Zambrano returned to the mound on Sept. 18, 2008, tossing the first Cubs no-hitter in 36 years, shutting down the Houston Astros offense at Miller Park, 5-0. The game was moved to Milwaukee due to damages Minute Maid Park had suffered during Hurricane Ike, making Zambrano's no-no the first neutral site no-hitter in baseball history.
After that it was down hill.
Zambrano won 20 games combined in 2009 and '10 with 2011 maybe being his most disappointing season yet. Struggling to find his stride, Zambrano has faced multiple suspensions and last pitched for Chicago on Aug.12 in a game against the Atlanta Braves. In that game, he surrendered five home runs and was ejected after throwing inside to veteran Chipper Jones.
Post-game it was reported that Zambrano was set to retire. He was placed on the disqualified list and didn't pitch for the team the rest of the season, finishing the year 9-7 and a 4.82 ERA, only starting 24 games for the Cubs, his lowest total since his 2002 rookie campaign.
After recording more than 200 innings five times in his first seven years in the majors, Zambrano has yet to reach that mark each of the last four years, showing signs of deteriorating or lack of desire and control.
Although, a change of scenery might be just what the doctor order, Dr. Oz that is.
Zambrano and recently hired manager Ozzie Gullien have been friends for sometime and looks to be the main component as to why he decided to waive his no-trade clause and head to South Beach. Maybe Gullien, who is also know for being quite emotional and a native Venezuelan, could get the best out of the talented right-hander.
He comes to the Marlins owning a career record of 125-81 and a 3.60 ERA, not to mention his .241 career batting average, 23 home runs and 69 runs batted in, earning him three Silver Sluggers.
The acquisition of Zambrano would add to the many new faces that will occupy the New Marlins Ballpark in 2012. The Fish have already reeled in All-Stars Jose Reyes and Heath Bell this offseason, signed Mark Buehrle, who is the author of two no-hitters -- one being a perfect game -- and now have slugger Hanley Ramirez, who was originally opposed to switching positions, embracing his transition to the hot corner, making the Marlins a viable contender in the NL East.
It could be a match made in heaven or a disaster waiting to happen.
No comments:
Post a Comment