Sounds just like the Cubs franchise alright. You really want the glamour of that 120 win season in 2001 (or 2002, not sure) huh, except the performance in the playoffs?
They did well in the ALDS (2001), but the yanks killed them in the ALCS. But Lou Pinella (who is now the cubs manager, and has made some pretty good moves) was a great manager. every since he left, the club went downhill. bob melvin had a 93/4 win season, 2003, the season after he left, but that was just becasue they didnt have time to screw it up yet
Well I've heard he didn't do too well w/ the DRays pitching staff. There were rumors about him pushing the youngsters too hard.
If you consider a #3 starter a top-notch pitcher, I don't know what you consider Santana, Oswalt, or Carpenter. Those three guys are top-notch. They are very consistent and don't have meltdowns frequently. Zito is an example of a starter that has some fairly good stuff but is getting worse every year. Just look at the stats.
ok so im looking at his stats, and he has improved the past few years! what do ya know...now i know im a cardinals fan, but his carreer stats are almost identical to carpenters with the exception of Zito with a better ERA...now santana and oswalt might be top top of the line, but Zito Is still a very very good pitcher and im thinkin he's gonna be flirting with 20 in the win coloumn this next year...
There's no way Zito is improving. The only thing going for him is his durability. Otherwise, his K's are going down and his walk rate is increasing. Not good for a flyball pitcher.