Carlos Zambrano: From Perfect to…Well, the Opposite

Let’s see, a week, ago, Chicago Cubs Ace, and I use that term very lightly, pitched no-hitter.  Everyone talking about how he’s come around, after signing the big contract, after all his character problems.  Enter Friday, a home game against the St. Louis Cardinals, 1.2 innings pitched, 8 earned runs. Are you kidding me?  How is that possible? Was the no-no a fluke?  What happened to the good old days when pitchers were, well, consistent.  I’ve been following Big Z for years now (sure he was on my fantasy team many a time).  The the poster child for inconsistency. You never know what you’re going to get from this guy. Lights out one start; shelled the next. Blame it on lack of concentration, blame it on fatigue.  You can find a million excuses, we all know they’re like… well, you know what. The Cubs will probably make the playoffs. Everyone’s expecting them to tear it up and make the World Series.  But let me tell you something, if Big Z doesn’t clean up his act, sure they might get to the big one, but as soon as they run into a solid team (i.e. Angels), the Cubbies will realize that that they don’t stand a chance.  If you don’t believe me, go ask the 2007 Cleveland Indians, and how their aced C.C. Sabathia burned ’em time and time again by the Boston Red Sox. If you’re happy just to be there, great, be happy then.  But if you’re like most fans, then you’re striving for the ring/cup/trophy. Take my advice: Don’t believe the Zambrano hype. Sorry Cubs’ fans, the truth hurts.