Staff Report
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano takes his hitting so seriously that he missed time during the 2009 season after wrenching his back from overextending himself in batting practice. Zambrano's dedication today earned him his third National League Silver Slugger award, as voted upon by league managers and coaches.
Zambrano also earned the honor, which is presented annually by Louisville Slugger to the best offensive players at each position in each league, in 2006 and 2008. He is one of three Cubs to earn at least three Silver Sluggers, joining Ryne Sandberg (seven times at second base) and Sammy Sosa (six times as an outfielder).
Zambrano led major-league pitchers last season with four home runs and nine extra-base hits, and his five doubles and 11 RBI were tied for the major-league lead. Zambrano batted .217 (15-for-69) with a .464 slugging percentage, second-highest among pitchers with at least 50 at-bats (Micah Owings, .537).
The 28-year-old switch-hitter is the Cubs' career leader in homers by a pitcher with 20 (Fergie Jenkins ranks second with 13).
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano takes his hitting so seriously that he missed time during the 2009 season after wrenching his back from overextending himself in batting practice. Zambrano's dedication today earned him his third National League Silver Slugger award, as voted upon by league managers and coaches.
Zambrano also earned the honor, which is presented annually by Louisville Slugger to the best offensive players at each position in each league, in 2006 and 2008. He is one of three Cubs to earn at least three Silver Sluggers, joining Ryne Sandberg (seven times at second base) and Sammy Sosa (six times as an outfielder).
Zambrano led major-league pitchers last season with four home runs and nine extra-base hits, and his five doubles and 11 RBI were tied for the major-league lead. Zambrano batted .217 (15-for-69) with a .464 slugging percentage, second-highest among pitchers with at least 50 at-bats (Micah Owings, .537).
The 28-year-old switch-hitter is the Cubs' career leader in homers by a pitcher with 20 (Fergie Jenkins ranks second with 13).
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Psycho or not, I love Z. He is fun to watch at the plat. On the mound?......