EYE ON . . .
Carlos Zambrano, P, Chicago Cubs
Background: The beast has become the burden. There was a time a few years ago when Zambrano was one of the baseball’s best pitchers and one of its most intimidating. From 2003-08, he won at least 13 games a season. But his career began to tilt unfavorably last August. He was scheduled to face the Rockies in the opener of a critical four-game series. Roughly 30 minutes before the first pitch, he begged off with a back problem. Trouble is, it was an injury he didn’t see the need to treat in the days leading up to the start. The Cubs were crushed in three of four games, a crippling blow to their playoff aspirations.
What’s up: The Cubs arrived in spring training tired of Zambrano’s act. So, when he started on opening day and basically ignored the scouting report against the Braves, manager Lou Piniella’s patience evaporated. After three uninspired starts and a glaring void in the bullpen, Zam- brano was shockingly turned into a setup man.
Renck’s take: For those who have e-mailed me asking if the Rockies would trade for Zambrano at the deadline, the answer is no. At $17.85 million this season, he will be the most expensive reliever ever. He has roughly $35 million remaining on his contract after this season. Zambrano believes this move is temporary until the Cubs trade for a power arm. I am not convinced. Piniella has had enough of the underachieving Alfonso Soriano and Zambrano, and is trying desperately to get production. It would be nice to see Zambrano respond in true “we” fashion and become dominant in his new role. But, more than likely, he will be whining soon.
AT ISSUE
A-Rod, Braden need chill pills
What: New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez crossed back over the pitcher’s mound when returning to first base following a foul ball. Oakland A’s starter Dallas Braden took exception, yelling things that will never turn up on a Mother’s Day card.
When: Thursday, during the final game of a series between the A’s and the Yankees in Oakland.
Background: A-Rod has etiquette issues. And we’re not talking about dating Madonna while still being married. Remember, a few years ago, he screamed “Ha!” to a Toronto Blue Jays infielder catching a popup. That was historically lame. This, by comparison, was just weak. It’s common courtesy to stay off the mound when returning to a base or returning to a dugout following a final out.
Renck’s take: Braden took it too seriously, saying the mound is the center of the universe and that no one can step in there. OK, Carl Sagan, simmer down. A-Rod’s gaffe wasn’t a threat to national security. What bothered me was Rodriguez’s dismissal of Braden. It was the basic “You’re a gnat” and the “Do you know who I am?” defense. True, Braden’s career pales to A-Rod’s career. But last I checked, he didn’t pump his body full of steroids, alienate teammates and do photo shoots so vain it would make Naomi Campbell blush. So, in closing . . . Braden, chill. And you, A-Rod, stop being a jerk and get real.
THREE UP
1. Rays: They have done better on the road than the Rolling Stones.
2. Twins: They’re riding the wave from their new ballpark and the signing of Joe Mauer.
3. Padres: Colorado kid Chase Headley is showing a knack for getting the clutch hit.
THREE DOWN
1. Orioles: Through 15 games, they had a .222 batting average. Where have you gone, Mr. Ripken?
2. Red Sox: The Big Papi story seems destined to end badly.
3. White Sox: A quickie quiz: Who has more hits this year, Lady Gaga or South Siders?
