We Can All Learn A Lot From Zambrano

A few years ago, Carlos Zambrano may have been the best pitcher in baseball. His mid 90's fastball and devastating breaking ball worked extremely well with a 'Take No Prisoners' competitive edge that had many batters feeling uncomfortable just to step in the box. Unfortunately, much has changed since those days. In an earlier post this year, I posed the question "How Will Zambrano react to being sent to the bullpen?" He is known for temper flare ups and not always being a team player. So, there was reason to be concerned about a perceived demotion to the bullpen. Apparently, these concerns were validated after Zambrano's most recent dugout spat with teammate Derek Lee. Of course, no one truly knows what was said and in what context it was perceived, but DLee is one of the classiest ball players in the game today, and I find it tough to believe he was out of line. Either way, the Cubs could scarcely afford any more distractions during an already disappointing season - especially with cross-town rivals, the White Sox on an 11 game win streak. The fallout of the incident has landed Carlos on an indefinite suspension and none of his teammates seem to miss him yet. Alfanso Soriano referenced this when saying simply that the team was not inspired by the tirade (as Zambrano tried to spin it) but that they would rather not have him.

So, what can an aspiring pitcher take from this whole mess? For starters, it must be understood that it is a very thin line that a pitcher walks from being the meanest mother on the whole baseball field and not taking any crap from anyone and still respecting the game to completely showing no self control, respect for the game, or discipline. In fact, I'd say respect for the game is the ultimate issue. By allowing your emotions to get the best of you, your actions tell the other team and everyone that you are not mentally tough enough to handle the tests of a baseball game and season. Now, this is by no means and easy task, but it is a task that players have handled with grace for years. Personally, I feel it requires far more mental fortitude and "strength" to swallow ones pride and handle both your terrible defeats with the same demeanor as your greatest victories. It shouldn't matter if you throw a no-hitter or give up 9 earned in the first, a the true gamer keeps his emotions and on an even level. Because, if you allow yourself to ride that emotional rollercoaster, it will impossible to replicate any kind of success. It appears that Zambrano had been struggling with this for many years, but he had been able to keep at bay for the most part. Unfortunately, I fear this may be one of the last (if not THE last) straw for him. The Cubbies do not appear to be interested in his antics now that his performance has suffered.

So, going forward, the "Intelligent Pitcher" must be willing to walk that line. The one between extreme focus and intensity break down. The line between firery determination and emotional breakdown. It is no easy task, but the true gamers achieve this as they dominate the competition.

Let me hear your thoughts.

Until Next Time!

Zambrano to the Pen?

In relatively recent events, Chicago Cubs manager announced that normally unhittable ace, Carlos Zambrano will be delegated to set-up man duties to help out the Cubbies struggling bullpen. He also mentioned that the return to Ted Lilly to the rotation made this move even more necessary. I'm not sure if I buy it, but alas, I'm not a big league manager. I realize Zambrano has struggled in his first few starts, but he still has the "stuff" of an ace and, as long as he is healthy, will likely bounce back from the early season mishaps.

Regardless, this has nothing to do with LessIsMorePitching or my philosophy. What this does have to do with is the mind set of a pitcher like Zambrano who has to make a change. As a pitcher, you may be asked to make changes to your delivery, your role on the team, or your pitching style. Speaking from experience, late in my professional career, the Diamondbacks asked me to start throwing side arm, after throwing overhand for my entire career. Although this marked the possible end of my career, it has, for others, launched their careers into the next level. For Zambrano, it could go either way. He could become the most dominant set-up man in the league. For you, it could also take one of two courses. No matter what, it starts with your mind set. And this is the point of this blog post. Your coach may not always think the same way you do about different aspects of pitching. However, you are obligated to some degree to try the suggestions your coaches make. If you hate them, hopefully, your coach will take the time to work out an agreeable solution. If this is not the case though, and you are left with an adjustment or change that you are not comfortable with, then it becomes your job to make that adjustment with the optimism and determination of your entire being. Because if you don't, you will be leaving part of your ability off the field. As competitive as baseball is, you cannot afford to only have half your heart on the field.
So far, Zambrano seems to have made the change without causing too much of a fuss. This is called "professionalism" in the biz. Every player could use a dose of this type of approach. Big Leaguers aren't always the best example of how to carry yourself on the field. I, for one, hope my initial reactions are not betrayed later on.

Stay tuned as always.

Until Next Time.