Z to the Pen

[BT]

<!--quoteo(post=92060:date=Apr 22 2010, 11:14 AM:name=VanSlawAndCottoCheese)-->QUOTE (VanSlawAndCottoCheese @ Apr 22 2010, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=92058:date=Apr 22 2010, 12:06 PM:name=dk123)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (dk123 @ Apr 22 2010, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=92053:date=Apr 22 2010, 10:48 AM:name=jstraw)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (jstraw @ Apr 22 2010, 10:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=92052:date=Apr 22 2010, 10:36 AM:name=VanSlawAndCottoCheese)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (VanSlawAndCottoCheese @ Apr 22 2010, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=92033:date=Apr 22 2010, 10:02 AM:name=BT)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BT @ Apr 22 2010, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->They ASKED Zambrano to move to the pen, they didn't demote him.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
My problem with this line of thinking is that it is nigh-universally accepted that a move to the pen is a demotion, whether it's cleared through the pitcher or not. It's fairly understood that Reliever < Starter (see Samardzija, Jeff).

Earlier you suggested that if this "works," then no one will be complaining. What does "works" mean here? That all parties pitch well? We still will be underutilizing Zambrano. Of course, it could also mean that if we are happy with him pitching from the pen, that are tacitly recognizing that he is no longer starter-worthy. And I see that as cause for dismay as well.
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I dunno. I really can see a scenario where Lou goes to Z and says "I'm desperate here...I need someone to stop the bleeding and you can do this. Will you help me?"
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IF that is how it happened, with the understanding it would be a short term thing, then I don't think it's so bad...but that's a big if.
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Even so, what its the anticipated end result? If Z pitches lights out, does Lou expect all the other relievers to watch him and come to some epiphany of how things are done? I suppose I could concede that this <b>wouldn't be such a dunderhead move if there is a scenario where a trade is in the works that would bring a strong 8th inning guy over in the next couple of weeks. </b>Aside from that, I don't see what temporarily moving Z to the pen accomplished, other than a perceived demotion.
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That's EXACTLY what Zambrano said. He is supposed to pitch in the 8th inning until they find someone else who can do it. The Cubs would like to trade for an 8th inning guy, but suddenly we are faced with the conundrum that Zambrano is now completely useless as an 8th inning pitcher, but no one in the league wants to give up an 8th inning pitcher because they are too valuable. Not sure how that makes any sense, but that's where we are.

for fucks sake you guys, I fucking promise you Zambrano WILL NOT pitch 60 innings out of the bullpen. Literally the only way that happens is if Zambrano is lights out, the rotation (EVERY single one of them) pitches lights out, and the Cubs win an assload of games. If this happens, why would you guys give a flying shit about the "value" of Zambrano? If this doesn't happen, HE'LL BE A STARTER AGAIN. If Zambrano is in the bullpen, then Gorz and Silva are pitching well. If they don't, he will go back into the rotation.

this is not an ideal move. This is not the move I would make. But you guys are completely overreacting.