Big Z Moved To Bullpen

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 21, 2010 9:50PM

Well consider us shocked. With Ted Lilly due to return to the starting rotation very, very soon, the Cubs have moved starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano to the bullpen. Because Tom Gorzelanny is a more effective starter than the pitcher the team is paying almost $18 million for this year? When Sweet Lou was asked about the move, he said there were concerns over Z's "stuff, experience and durability." Zambrano is 1-2 in four starts this year with a 7.45 ERA so maybe a move to the bullpen is in order to help him get back into his old form. It would also seem to be a move meant to shore up a bullpen that's blown too many leads to count this season (and we're only two weeks in). But Z's numbers aren't that much better than Gray or Grabow. Z seemed okay with the decision, claiming he's going to play the role of eighth inning set up man.

"[Lou] told me that probably Randy (Bush) or Jim Hendry was looking for an eighth inning guy. And when they find a guy and trade (for a) guy and get that guy here, I will be back to the rotation. Right now they need somebody to step up in the eighth inning. I don't like to be a reliever. I don't want to be a reliever, but this team needs somebody to step up and help the bullpen."

Well, we suppose given the rough start to the season both Zambrano and the bullpen have had this year, it can only get better.