In the category of Weird World of Why, Carlos Zambrano has inked a minor league deal with the Philadelphia Phillies. Why, Philly? Why? The last time Carlos Zambrano was relevant was nearly five years ago when he was touting a 3.77 ERA and 1.38 WHIP. The next year, Zambrano was demoted to the bullpen for 16 games and his career took a wild turn, in which Big Z ended up in Miami pitching for the hapless Marlins.
To be fair, Zambrano is only 31 years old and is as physically opposing of a pitcher as they come. He is 6’5” and 270 pounds (on a good day) and did at one time have some decent junk in his pitching repertoire. But, when the only other team that might sign you is an independent team named the Long Island Ducks – who are known to give falling heroes their one last semi-unrealistic shot at the bigs – then times are a-changing for El Toro.
For someone who has argued with everyone involved with baseball – you name the person, he’s argued with them – this could be a move the Phillies end up regretting. At least they’re getting a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner out of it, who has 24 career home runs. Maybe he can provide some hitting tips to Ryan Howard and the rest of the Phillies when he gets there.
He’s also really good at breaking bats over his knees. Get ready for the goat rodeo, Phillies fans.
(ESPN , Fox Sports, USA Today, NBC, MLB)
