Carlos Zambrano – 1st Year on Ballot
Typically, the first images that come to mind with Carlos Zambrano involve his explosive temper, and the problems he had in controlling it.
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Zambrano got into a fight with catcher Michael Barrett in the dugout in 2007, prompting Barrett to be traded to the Padres. He was suspended in 2008 after an outburst against Derrek Lee, and was suspended in 2011 after walking out on the team. His combative nature spilled over into the Winter Leagues, when he led a charge out of the dugout, throwing punches at anything in his path during a bench clearing brawl.
Throughout it all, Zambrano was a decent pitcher when he was in the right mindset. He posted a 132-91 record with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.331 WHiP, striking out 1637 batters in 1959 innings. Zambrano was also an excellent hitter for a pitcher, slugging 24 homers and producing a .238/.248/.388 batting line.
As strong of a career as Zambrano could have had, his temper and inability to be a team player ruined his career. Zambrano was out of the majors at 31 years old, his time over when even his friend Ozzie Guillen could not turn him around. He had a world of potential, but just did not have the mentality to allow him to become the player he could have been.
Carlos Zambrano made his way on to the MLB Hall of Fame ballot. That is about as much as he will get.