04/09/05 - Brewers (Sheets) @ Cubs (Zambrano), 1:20 PM CT

[DHonks]

well, Sheets didn't have his A-game. Curve looked like the curve of pre-'04 with no command. But need some offense boys

[batman]

It turns out that Zambrano was having problems with cramps today... the injury in the first was a cramp in his forearm/elbow.

 

That sound you hear is a huge sigh of relief from the North Side of Chicago.

 

I still can't believe they allowed him to stay in the game. Perhaps its possible/easy to tell the difference between a cramp and a strain/sprain immediately after it happens, but it seems pretty risky to allow a pitcher who felt something in his elbow to keep throwing.

 

It will be interesting to see if he gets back to throwing breaking balls during his next start.

 

Anyway, it looks like a false alarm.

 

~Bill

[whizkid]

``It happens to me all the time,'' Zambrano said, referring to the cramp. ``I have to drink more water. It has nothing to do with my elbow or shoulder.''

[obobo55]

Didn't see it but that game is just an example of the value of an ace.

 

Sounded like Zambrano could only throw 1 pitch, but when it comes in at 97 mph with movement it is tough to do much with it. Add in a generous strike zone, a helpful wind keeping well hit balls inside the park, and some unlucky rockets that found leather when we did get ahold of one and you have a 1-hitter.

 

Sheets did pretty well for the most part, outside of the walks in the 2nd and one mistake pitch to Burnitz he held them to very litlle before tiring in the 7th.

 

Oh well, hope for some luck tomorrow against Maddux and a decent effort by Santos. Would be very nice to take 2 of 3 and head home at 4-1 with Davis pitching.

[clancyphile]

Problem:

Tomorrow is a day game.

 

On the other hand, Zambrano is headed clearly for arm trouble, IMO. Might be craps, or the start of something worse.

[Loopee]

Game observation from the stands.

 

No curve for Benny! This is why he needs more confidence in his change-up. Not that Ben isn't Cy Young calibre already, but if he can get to the point he mixes in his change when the curve fails he won't be vulnerable on days like today.