Despite hitting three homeruns, the Cubs were unable to complete the sweep yesterday against the Milwaukee Brewers falling by a score of 8-6. Jeff Suppan, the quintessential journeyman/innings eater started the game against Carlos Zambrano. Both pitchers struggled, each lasting just five innings and allowing four runs apiece although one of Zambrano’s was unearned (Cubs committed three errors.) It has been a rocky start for Zambrano who piled up 121 pitches in the five innings he pitched. He has shown some signs of rounding into form though in both yesterday’s game, and in his previous start against Cincinnati. Zambrano has been far more aggressive attacking the strike zone and simply hitting his spots. Nevertheless, he just does not seem to be able to dominate hitters the way he did just a couple years ago. He certainly is still capable of turning in a solid season, but with the Cubs giving him nearly $19 million this season it is unlikely he meets those expectations.
Carlos Zambrano ERA 2006-2010:
2006: 3.41
2007: 3.95
2008: 3.91
2009: 3.77
2010: 9.45 (3 starts)
Are these good numbers for a major league starting pitcher? The answer to that is yes they are solid numbers, but not the numbers you would expect from a guy that commands the kind of money and attention that Zambrano does. It is also interesting to look at the top two highest paid players on the Cubs roster. Carlos Zambrano is making $18.75 million per year and Alfonso Soriano is receiving $17 million. There are about 5-6 guys on the team that are far more valuable than those two.
The Cubs are looking to get back to the .500 mark this afternoon as they will take on the Houston Astros who enter this series at just 1-8. Felipe Paulino (0-0 7.20) will take on Carlos Silva (0-0 1.50) who had an outstanding start last week in his Cubs debut.
