Carlos Zambrano Has a High Self-Esteem

I have a theory about Carlos Zambrano. He spent the first few years of his career completely overlooked as everyone obsessed over Kerry Wood and Mark Prior. Only recently, after topping 200 innings four years running and sporting a lower career ERA than either Wood or Prior, is he finally enjoying the attention that comes with being the true ace of the team.

Since most of us were late to the party recognizing his pitching brilliance, I think he's trying to make up for lost time as the centerpiece of the media's spotlight. It seems everything he says lately makes waves, from his proclamation last month that he'd bolt Chicago if he didn't get a multi-year extension before the start of the season to backing off of those sentiments a few days later.

And even though this is the time of the year that everyone is confident about the upcoming season, leave it Zambrano to spice things up with not one but two bold predictions. From the Chicago Tribune:

"I believe this year I will win the Cy Young (Award) and I will enjoy that," he said. "And besides that, we will win the World Series. I guarantee you that. I have faith." ...

"I'm saying that," he said. "I'm almost sure about that."

Almost sure, or guaranteed?

"Almost sure," he said. "I promise I will do the best I can. I feel very good this year, better than my last five years. And I will work on that."

Okay, it sounded a little more impressive before he tacked on the "I'll do my best" qualifier at the end, but it shows that the Cubs have some serious goals this year. Zambrano has been a workhorse that past four years, and if he can just keep doing what he's been doing he's certainly going to be in the Cy Young conversation. As for the World Series? He's not alone in thinking it's possible, with at least one online casino giving them the best odds in the National League, tied with the Mets and Cardinals.