Word: zambrano
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...Zambrano in the Zone When Carlos Zambrano, Chicago's 6'5", 255-lb. ace, is on his game, few pitchers in the majors are more lethal. Just ask the Houston Astros, against whom Zambrano pitched a scarily dominant no-hitter on Sept. 14 in which just two balls left the infield. "The balance that the Cubs have is tremendous," says Astros general manager Ed Wade. "But I think one thing that separates one club from another is the ability to have a true top-of-the-rotation starter. They've got that in Zambrano...
Talent alone doesn't distinguish Zambrano. There's his passion, too. In fact, he's a bit loony, an emotional whirlwind on the mound, pumping fists when things go his way, screaming at himself when the game turns against him. In the past, that intensity has gotten him in trouble. Last season, he fought his catcher in the dugout during a game. Though old habits emerged during his last two regular-season starts, which were awful, for the most part he's learned to reserve his fire for opposing hitters. "When you get into the postseason, there's a passion...
...bulk and behavior are an intimidating package. "Good hitters sense when pitchers are lacking confidence or vulnerable," says Kevin Towers, GM of the San Diego Padres. "I don't think you ever look at Carlos Zambrano and feel he's vulnerable. If I'm a hitter, I don't want him to get too upset, 'cause he might stick one right in my neck...
...Zambrano offers another surprising postseason weapon: he's perhaps the best-hitting pitcher in the game. This season, he hit .337 with 4 home runs, and in all, he has smacked 16 home runs over an 8-year career. "It's nice to have that type of bat," notes Towers. "I don't say that loosely. If you have that type of bat, you don't have to double switch in a close game, because this guy can do as much damage as anyone coming off your bench. It allows him to stay deep into games and give your bullpen...
...Super Soto Zambrano's talent and game-changing ability are matched by those of his battery mate, rookie catcher Geovany Soto, who is probably the best player you've never heard of. "I don't think there's any question he's the National League Rookie of the Year, and along the way he's probably going to get some MVP votes," says Wade. Soto batted .285 with 23 home runs, none more clutch than the three-run shot he hit with two outs in the ninth inning to tie the Sept. 18 game against division rival Milwaukee (the Cubs...