Cubs Connection: Jamie Moyer, Matt Garza & Big Z
Cubs transactions for January 8th:
1992 – Signed Jamie Moyer as a free agent
2011 – Traded Hak-Ju Lee, Chris Archer, Robinson Chirinos, Sam Fuld and Brandon Guyer to Tampa Bay for Zach Rosscup, Fernando Perez and Matt Garza
Would you make the same trade today?
Still no takers for Big Z. Not surprising, really.
In years 29, 30 & 31 he’s averaged just 22 starts per season.
Hasn’t pitched more than 200 innings since 2007 (216.1).
Has won fewer than 10-games in 3 of last 4 seasons…(11 in 2010).
Part of Z being a head case wasn’t just his childish behavior and immaturity. It was always a concern of mine Zambrano wasn’t learning how to be a pitcher vs. a thrower.
Miami was suppose to rejuvenate the big right-hander. Instead, he went (7-10, 4.49) while Ozzie, of all managers, demoted him to the bullpen mid-season.
Zambrano had long mentioned he would retire at the end of his 5-year, $90 million contract extension originally signed with the Cubs in 2007. Currently that appears to be his only option.
When Theo shipped Z to the Marlins last January (along with $15 million) it was never a matter of what the Cubs were getting in return. Rather, the Cubs needed to rid the team of a malcontent in favor of revitalizing the clubhouse culture.
Chris Volstad was the return piece of course, but regardless of how poorly Volstad (3-12, 6.31) was last season the Cubs were no doubt better off distancing themselves from El Toro.
My gut feeling, however, is some team will reach out to Z before spring training. What a mistake that will be.
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