Carlos Zambrano to Royals Rumors Erupt, Threaten to Destroy Internet as We Know it

by Freneau on Nov 8, 2011 5:44 PM EST in Kansas City Royals News

The "Royals Interested in Carlos Zambrano" story began yesterday and heated up today. The chronology, if you are interested, began with Mark Carman at 610 Sports, which then hit the Chicago guys, then bounced back to MLBTR, which then meant everyone saw it. (H/T to Annoyed Grunt for again posting this link on RR first.) I randomly logged on to Twitter this afternoon and by the way some people were talking about it, a deal with seemingly imminent.

Enter Bob "The Sheriff" Dutton:

Even then, the Royals show little interest in making a trade.

"We’re open-minded with everything," Moore now says, "but we don’t have a lot of (financial) flexibility. That’s because we’re just not going to tie ourselves up."

On Twitter, Dutton made the same point: the Royals might be interested, if Zambrano is released. Zambrano's contract is one of those deals that everyone knows, at some vague level, is bad, but is kinda astonishing each time you see it again (like Vernon Wells's or Ryan Howard's). Big Z is owed $18 million in 2012 and $19.25 million in 2013, assuming he is healthy at the end of next season. Of course, in addition to his salary, Zambrano comes with much baggage, ranging from media antipathy to dugout fights to supposedly abandoning his team. For the clubhouse culture crowd, Zambrano is definitively seen as a terrible guy who is more or less unemployable.

Zambrano was a good, not great, pitcher in 2009-2010, when off-the-field conduct had begun to be a major issue in Chicago. During those years Zambrano was a 2-3 win pitcher, and while he wasn't a sabermetric darling, they/were the voices saying, perhaps, widespread calls to demote Z to the bullpen were extreme. Last year, Zambrano was worth just under one win, posting a 4.34 FIP.

	W-L	G	GS	CG	SHO	SV	BS	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	K	ERA	WHIP
2011 - Carlos Zambrano	9-7	25	24	0	0	0	0	145.2	154	80	78	19	56	101	4.82	1.44

I'm not quite sure what the point of doing a full-on analysis of Zambrano is at this point. He's a declining pitcher who is seeing his core strengths as a pitcher erode. Could he become a Royal? Sure, I guess. The new regime in Chicago has no ties to Zambrano and presumably they could release him outright. Or they might find a trading partner. Who knows? Zambrano is probably an upgrade over someone like Sean O`Sullivan, but that doesn't mean he's on his way to K.C. Maybe.

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Comments

Would this man lie to you?

by Gopherballs on Nov 8, 2011 5:50 PM EST reply actions

the eyes are so blue

somebody knows how to use photoshop

by ams5661 on Nov 8, 2011 6:19 PM EST up reply actions

Not necessarily....

I know a whole family whose blue-eyed kids’ eyes are literally as blue as the Cub’s uni Z’s wearing in the picture up there ^

by Yodazilla on Nov 8, 2011 7:50 PM EST up reply actions

Plus if you wear contact that really makes them pop.

Works on my husband’s eyes. Especially when he’s wearing a Royal blue shirt. And then he smiles (hubba hubba) and I remember why I married him even if did fall asleep in front of the tv AGAIN last night and didn’t come to bed until like 8am which drives me batshit crazy.

by Gross(est) on Nov 8, 2011 9:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Lerew's blue eyes will NEVER be topped

by Freneau on Nov 9, 2011 1:12 AM EST up reply actions

Nope

I get stopped and asked if my eyes are “real.”

by BlueEyes_Austin on Nov 8, 2011 8:01 PM EST up reply actions

i actually believe bob dutton photoshopped his eye color for his twitter photo

by ams5661 on Nov 8, 2011 9:26 PM EST up reply actions

Not saying I endorse a trade for Big Z

But he was somewhat unlucky on his HR/FB rate last year, and it was a decent clip above his career rate. The US Bank Field at Kauffman Stadium would repress HRs, so it could be a good move for him/his future career.

by jsolo on Nov 8, 2011 5:55 PM EST reply actions

+1

If only because you used the word “antipathy” – one of my favorites. For your next story, please include: antiquated, dominion, paterfamilias and juggernaut (reference to X-Men is fine).

by KyleM on Nov 8, 2011 6:05 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

I wonder how much his WAR would decline in the AL

because of his being the best batting pitcher in baseball.

Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room!

by KeepItCopacetic on Nov 8, 2011 6:20 PM EST reply actions

Well you're in luck, because I have his Fangraphs page open

He had 1.0 WAR last season, and had around that per season for his entire career. That’s pretty amazing, actually, considering he only plays 1/5th of the games and doesn’t stay in for the whole game.

http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=305&position=PB

Kila's slash for Apr 20 to May 4, 2011, right before he was sent down: .276 / .344 / .448

by SagehenMacGyver47 on Nov 8, 2011 7:43 PM EST up reply actions

Honestly, I think he would provide a little bit of fun roster flexibility

His hitting would be useful in interleague of course, and he wouldn’t be a bad pinch hitting option for someone like Dyson or Getz if we’re down late in a game. That said, I’ve seen him meltdown a few too many times the past few years to have much interest.

Teaching My Girlfriend About Sports

by Soria's Unibrow on Nov 9, 2011 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

i wonder if yost would be willing to use him as a PH...

although, when looking at gallardo’s career stats…he was used for 3 ABs as a PH in 2007….i think yost was in milwaukee then

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 9, 2011 12:05 AM EST up reply actions

This, probably.

The new regime in Chicago has no ties to Zambrano even more and presumably they could release him outright.

He’s obviously available, and I wouldn’t be all that surprised if the Cubs felt that eating his entire 2012 contract was worth not having to be distracted this entire offseason.

Nick Swisher and Johnny Giavatella deserve treats in the Kaufmann parking lot.

by ChrisCEIT on Nov 8, 2011 6:26 PM EST reply actions

Hey... wouldn't it be funny if the Cubs released Big Z...

…and then later figure out that releasing him somehow caused his 2013 player option to vest?

by kcemigre on Nov 8, 2011 7:18 PM EST up reply actions

If we have to include conditions or stipulations, are we really "open-minded" to the Big Z?

I mean, if the Cubs throw in Starlin Castro, Geovanni Soto, Matt Garza and a couple hundred deep dish pizzas, I’ll be very open-minded to this trade too

by Loose Seal on Nov 8, 2011 6:30 PM EST reply actions

DON'T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON DEEP DISH PIZZA'S!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qZKDdd1fu4

Your 2010 Royals Review Fantasy Football Keeper League Champion
Since 2006: Royals win% = .420, Chiefs win% = .354

by averagegatsby on Nov 8, 2011 6:40 PM EST up reply actions

Ha...

Little bit cheeky, Will. Umm… I mean… Thanks for giving credit where it's due...

by Tracer Bullet 82 on Nov 8, 2011 6:43 PM EST via mobile reply actions

I feel like Frenchy would absolutely annoy the shit out of Zambrano...

…so this idea has that going for it at least, could be fun to watch unfold.

by Tracer Bullet 82 on Nov 8, 2011 6:53 PM EST via mobile reply actions

We don't need a clubhouse cancer in the dog days of August

I say no, even if he is released by the Cubs. And even if we write a contract that says he gets penalized with every on and off the field screw up.

No way.

by david.lowe on Nov 8, 2011 6:53 PM EST reply actions

So do you guys think our schedule was so "home" heavy at the beginning this past season and so "away" heavy in August in an attempt to appease the Players Union

because they all hate playing in Missouri humidity in August?

by Gross(est) on Nov 8, 2011 9:05 PM EST up reply actions

Like Ichiro Said........

I used to be an A's fan until they left town and got good.

by philofthenorth on Nov 8, 2011 11:44 PM EST up reply actions

I hope we acquire him so that I can bring my "Lima Time" t-shirt out of mothballs

I wonder if everyone wearing “Lima Tme” t-shirts during his starts would enrage Zambrano. I hope so. That would make his starts worth attending.

I’m also thinking about taking my “C’mon Chen” t-shirt and crossing out ~~C’mon Chen~~ then writing “Up Yours Zambrano” on it with a Sharpie. This is only partially because I doubt local retailers will sell “Up Yours Zambrano” t-shirts. The rest of the reason I plan to use a Sharpie is that my iron-on lettering set is all out of capital “Z”.

Make it happen Dayton.

This is my signature line. It is full of awesome and win.

by KC_Satchmo on Nov 8, 2011 7:38 PM EST reply actions

If the Royals get him for free

Sure. If he’s an ass, cut him. If he’s a 3 WAR pitcher, awesome.

by Yodazilla on Nov 8, 2011 7:52 PM EST reply actions

is Zambrano the real-life Kenny Powers?

setting aside the white/latino difference

by its coming on Nov 8, 2011 8:41 PM EST reply actions

KP has the hispanic nickname though.

La Flama Blanca.

by hawkinscm87 on Nov 8, 2011 8:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Carlos "the jackass" Zambrano

Not just no, but HELL NO.

by R_F on Nov 8, 2011 9:00 PM EST reply actions

Dear Will,

I like the photo caption. …I said everything I wanted to say about the Z possibility in the other thread. I’ll only repeat one thing here: I’m pretty sure he’d hit a few HRs in a KC uniform. That could be fun.

"Sir,--It has been wittily remarked that there are three kinds of falsehood: the first is a 'fib,' the second is a downright lie, and the third and most aggravated is statistics." *The National Observer* (June 13, 1891): p. 93-94.

by timlacy on Nov 8, 2011 9:27 PM EST reply actions

why would moore discuss zambrano's NTC if he was talking about being interested if/when he's released?

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 8, 2011 9:32 PM EST reply actions

good point

i’m also confused on how the big Z fits into moore’s construction of the roster in the image of the 2008 colorado rockies.

moore’s been the only GM i’ve known as a baseball fan, so maybe they all say stuff like that?

by ams5661 on Nov 8, 2011 9:35 PM EST up reply actions

are you all really this anti-zambrano?

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 8, 2011 9:34 PM EST reply actions

Not me.

I just don’t want Moore & Co. to go after him unless he’s cut and/or nearly all of his contract is eaten by the Cubs and he costs next to nothing prospect-wise.

Sporadically musing on the Royals at both Royals Review and Royalscentricity, pop culture at Inconsiderate Prick, SVU at Munch My Benson and on Twitter at Old Man Duggan

by Old Man Duggan on Nov 9, 2011 1:10 AM EST up reply actions

thats where i stand...and i dont think theres a chance he does

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 9, 2011 7:48 AM EST up reply actions

If it's similar to the Lowe trade (Cubs eat all but 5M and get a C prospect)

I don’t have a problem with it, and I doubt Dayton would be interested unless those were the parameters of a deal. Under those circumstances it would be a low risk for the Royals. He is not an ace, but he is a lightning rod. The spotlight would be on him, even in KC. If that allowed the other starters to focus on becoming more consistently effective with less pressure and scrutiny, great. If Z is a disaster on and/or off the field, you can show him the door.

by thelaundry on Nov 9, 2011 9:50 AM EST up reply actions

But, is his career just about over?

He hasnt pitched close to 200 innings in years, and his K rate fell off the table last year. I would rather have Lowe.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 11:04 AM EST up reply actions

If the scenario is a one year rental at the same dollar and prospect cost

I would be likely be more interested in a 31 year old than a 38 year old. I am speculating here, but if Dayton had wanted Lowe he could have acquired him. I think he knew what it would take and chose not to and traded for Sanchez. My other point of speculation is that the Royals have at least discussed Zambrano and what they would give up to acquire him, even if no discussions with the Cubs have taken place. Dayton was ready to answer a Zambrano question in detail, even if the question was in jest. I may be wrong, but to me that shows at least internal tire kicking.

Z’s social skills are a separate sort of risk, but he’s been effective enough recently enough that a few million and a C prospect would be a gamble worth taking IMO.

by thelaundry on Nov 9, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions

I still wonder if he is done,

but I pretty much agree with you exactly. He has been a hugely talented dude throughout his career and his K’s have actually fluctuated several times. Strangely, every time his Ks drop, (08,11) so do his walks, so maybe he isnt done yet.
He probably is a good last resort type guy and most likely some other team will reach on his past success so he will be gone and it wont matter.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions

I don't think it's likely either

But this is a lot more fun than sweating Myers for Jurrjens rumors.

by thelaundry on Nov 9, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions

If Wren or Friedman or Beane ask about a player specifically,

Then immediatly remove him from your potential trade list.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 12:26 PM EST up reply actions

True

But in Dayton’s case I would amend that to “any GM other than Sabean, Colletti, Wade, or Williams”.

by thelaundry on Nov 9, 2011 2:02 PM EST up reply actions

I wont get rec'd for this comment,

but Dayton is getting better.

…he is taking his vitamins and doing his pushups and trimming his nose hairs and making great strides with his therapist/hypnotist.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 2:18 PM EST up reply actions

i think most here agree with that assessment....

he hasnt made an incredibly dumb move in a couple of years (depending on how the frenchy extension turns out)…and even those dumb moves either panned out (frenchy part 1, melky) or had little to zero long term effect (kendall).

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 9, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

If the haters out there wanna show me a list of the best GMs in BBall,

I will show them an ugly list of boneheaded gaffes for each one.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions

What is the problem with getting Z-man?

I’ve heard bad things, but I’m sure he’s not homicidal.

by kansasjohn on Nov 8, 2011 9:48 PM EST reply actions

John, this might be a weird question, but

Whats your last name?
I ask because I know of only 1 other person whose seen that movie, and he’s also named john

"We don’t have guys with a long history of being effective in the seventh and eighth innings."
~Trey Hillman, master of understatements.

by RoyalPug on Nov 8, 2011 11:12 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls?

Who hasn’t seen that? Roger Ebert’s screenwriting credit in all its splendor.

Sporadically musing on the Royals at both Royals Review and Royalscentricity, pop culture at Inconsiderate Prick, SVU at Munch My Benson and on Twitter at Old Man Duggan

by Old Man Duggan on Nov 9, 2011 1:14 AM EST up reply actions

Carpinelli

by kansasjohn on Nov 9, 2011 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

Z-MAN!!!

Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com

by RoyalsRetro on Nov 9, 2011 10:12 AM EST up reply actions

Now THERE'S a Z-Man I can get behind

I may have to go acquire one for lunch today.

by Sweep_the_Leg on Nov 9, 2011 10:13 AM EST up reply actions

I would eat the fuck out of that....

after zinging those pickles over my left shoulder.

by dooblay on Nov 9, 2011 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

i hate you

Fire Everyone

by billybeingbilly on Nov 9, 2011 10:20 AM EST up reply actions

I don't love Zambrano or anything...

but if he’s healthy, a change of scenery might help. If they’re paying him little and giving up little in terms of prospect(s) then it’s worth seeing if he’s still got a 2-3 WAR in him and he’s this years Bartolo Colon. If he’s a problem, or he’s got nothing left, then get rid of him. Gees, they gave Brett Tomko and Sidney Ponson money and a shot, and neither was ever as good as Zambrano was. Not saying the bar should be that low, just that it has been that way in recent history.

If women only slept with nice guys...guys would only be nice. And they don't. And we're not.

by setupunchtag on Nov 8, 2011 10:51 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

Nicely put

There are some Royals fans that act like we have the luxury of telling a pitcher of his talent level no thanks. This just in: We don’t. Look up “pitching starved” in the dictionary and there’s a picture of Ned Yost crying.

If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down
-Gin Blossoms

by royaldaddy on Nov 9, 2011 1:20 AM EST up reply actions

the big Z

BFIB.....Never forget the Juicer <3

by tiquanunderwear on Nov 8, 2011 11:20 PM EST reply actions

Why shouldn't I forget the Juicer?

I really would like to.

Gentlemen, you can't fight in here. This is the war room!

by KeepItCopacetic on Nov 8, 2011 11:53 PM EST up reply actions

It was a landmark in Royals Review history

BFIB.....Never forget the Juicer <3

by tiquanunderwear on Nov 9, 2011 11:39 AM EST up reply actions

I'm probably in the minority, but I would pull off a low-level prospect deal for The Big Z

before he’s available to all teams. If the Cubs would eat, say, $15 mil of his deal. I know that sounds crazy, but if he’s released, he likely won’t end up in KC. After seeing terrible rotation after terrible rotation the last few years, I would love to see someone with actual talent pitching here. Sanchez is a good start, but we need more. My faith in Hocheaver is fairly small. Chen likely won’t be back. We have good offensive pieces in place. Let’s take a risk with a pitcher that could light it up if his mind is right and it would basically be a free agent year for Z so he should be ready to kick ass. Just my two cents.

If you don't expect too much from me, you might not be let down
-Gin Blossoms

by royaldaddy on Nov 9, 2011 1:18 AM EST reply actions