Zambrano Not The Ace

I hate to say it…but this was typical Zambrano. Big game, big moment…big bust.

I’ve been saying it for three seasons: Z is not the staff ace–Ted Roosevelt Lilly is.

I understand it’s one game…one bad outing…but Zambrano, unfortunately, has proven his emotions are in control…not his brain.

That’s not the mark of an ace…or the guy you want on the hill in a big game…that’s a No. 5 starter with No. 1 stuff.

It’s a pitcher who’s thrown six-consecutive Opening Days…winning just one of them. So isn’t it time to put Lilly where he belongs…as the No.1 next year?

Meanwhile, the bullpen. Just call’em the 666 Club.

Six runs…six hits…six walks…between Russell, Samardzija & Berg. Perhaps it was jitters, or simply inexperience. But these kids have to execute strike pitches. Monday was a pitiful effort collectively.

No to mention, the pen’ pretty much addressed all the fears I had coming into the season. Mainly, the inability to get the game to Grabow and Marmol…even had Zambrano made a respectable start.

Marlon Byrd, on the other hand, made a huge splash! Great confidence for a guy trying to find his niche and make a good first impression.

Aramis, very thankfully, looked comfortable at the plate as well. He’s the driving force on this offense…and we know what happens without him.

President Obama’s first pitch was closer to the strike zone than anything Samardzija threw, but it definitely wasn’t the worst Opening Day pitch ever. See video below!