As everyone is writing, Piniella is not complacent, he has just finally figured out that the fireworks need to take place off the field instead of on.  In a very surprising move, Piniella has moved Carlos Zambrano, and his payday to the bullpen.  Its not a demotion, all parties agree.  Its just the team’s biggest weakness and Zambrano with all of his fire and fire power is perfectly suited to pitch for an inning or two late in the game.

What I also haven’t seen written yet, is how this could help remake Zambrano.  He had a tough season last year, we all know that.  But his problems started the year before in the post-season against the Dodgers.  The virtually unhittable Zambrano ran into trouble because the Dodgers hitters were able to get him out of his comfort zone.  Beginning with Andre Ethier, and moving through the line-up the Dodgers worked to mess with Zambrano’s timing.  They asked for time, continually, and they fouled off pretty good pitches to make the Big Z uncomfortable.

Anyone who has watched Zambrano a lot knows the routine.  When he starts to get into trouble, he talks into his glove, almost to the point of yelling.  Then it escalates to throwing the rosin bag and then walking around the mound. If you are up against Zambrano, letting him be comfortable is the mistake- and since the 2008 playoffs, everyone knows that.  So moving Zambrano to a one-two inning slot helps him a lot. It gives him time to get excited, but not enough time to get agitated.  It also doesn’t give the other team enough time to change their approach.

Couple that with Zambrano’s stuff, and well, you have what could be an outstanding reliever.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up the Cubs closer at some point.  And if he does well, forget what I said about the Cubs being out of it, and Sweet Lou sailing off into the Tampa sun.  The Cubs could be in it.