When Carlos Zambrano arrived in Chicago as an 18-year-old signee from Venezuela, he brought a physical presence and a raw intensity that the franchise hadn't seen in years. By 2003, he had locked down a spot in the rotation, helping lead the Cubs to within one win of the World Series. He emerged as a high-velocity prospect and quickly matured into the most durable starter of his era on the North Side. From 2003 to 2008, Zambrano was a model of productivity, standing as the only National League pitcher to record at least 13 wins in six consecutive seasons. He provided the stability of a workhorse for a team that leaned heavily on his arm.

The high-water mark of his residency, and a historic moment for his homeland, arrived in 2006. That season, Zambrano became the first Venezuelan pitcher to lead the National League in wins, a feat that solidified his status as a premier force of the decade. He was a perennial Cy Young contender, finishing in the top five of the voting three times in a Cubs uniform. His top-tier quality was best displayed on a September night in 2008 when, amidst the chaos of a neutral-site game in Milwaukee, he tossed the first Cubs no-hitter in 36 years. He thrived when the lights were brightest and the stakes were at their peak.

What truly separated Zambrano from his peers, however, was his prowess in the batter’s box. He was a legitimate dual-threat asset, batting .241 with 23 home runs during his time in Chicago. A three-time Silver Slugger winner, Zambrano treated his trips to the plate with the same ferocity he brought to the rubber. He holds the franchise record for home runs by a pitcher, famously switch-hitting his way into the highlight reels and often providing his own run support in low-scoring affairs. He was the rare player who could win a game with his arm in the first inning and his bat in the ninth.

To be direct about his tenure, one must acknowledge the emotional volatility that came with his performance. Zambrano played with his heart on his sleeve, a trait that led to famous dugout skirmishes and a reputation for being a challenge to manage. Yet, for the fans at Wrigley Field, that fire was exactly what defined his identity. He spent eleven of his twelve professional seasons anchored to the Cubs, accumulating 125 wins and 1,542 strikeouts before a final, brief chapter in Miami.

Strategic voting. What you have to do when you have too many choices and not enough time or opportunities to realize all those choices.

Sounds like voting for the Baseball Hall of Fame for the last few years, doesn't it?

The good news is that since the Shutout of 2013, when the eligible members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) could not muster the 75 percent of the vote necessary to elect any one ballot candidate to the Hall of Fame despite a wealth of candidates from whom to choose (I counted 14), the BBWAA has sent a dozen players to Cooperstown. Based on that trend, and barring any unusual or unforeseen wrinkle, the writers are certain to elect at least one player for 2018.

Carlos Zambrano spent all but one season with the Chicago Cubs and was a three time All Star who led the National League in Wins in 2006. A versatile Pitcher with a varying array of pitches, Zambrano was also a very good hitting Pitcher who earned the Silver Slugger three times. The Venezuelan retired with a decent record of 132 and 91 with 1,637 Strikeouts and a bWAR of 38.2. He did have a decent career, but it is difficult to envision Zambrano getting past his first year of eligibility.



The Bullet Points:
Country of Origin:
Puerto Cabello, Venezuela

Eligible In:
The 2018 Vote

Position:
Pitcher

Played For:
Chicago Cubs
Florida Marlins

Major Accolades and Awards:
3 Time All Star (2004, 2007 & 2008)
Silver Slugger (3) (NL) (2006, 2008 & 2009)
Most Wins (1) (NL) (2006)
World Series Rings (None)

Other Points of Note:
Top Ten Cy Young Finishes:
(NL: 2004, 5^th), (NL: 2006, 5^th) & (NL: 2007, 5^th)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Earned Run Average)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Wins)
1 Top Ten Finish (WHIP)
3 Top Ten Finishes (Innings Pitched)
4 Top Ten Finishes (Strikeouts)
1 Top Ten Finish (Complete Games)
4 Top Ten Finishes (WAR for Pitchers)

Notable All Time Rankings:
None