Carlos Zambrano

It was just a few years ago that Zambrano was the Cubs’ reliable #3 starter, positioned behind phenoms Mark Prior and Kerry Wood. Wood has transitioned to the bullpen, while Prior’s career led him elsewhere. At the same time, Zambrano has stepped up his game, establishing himself as not only the Cubs’ ace, but one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. “The Big Z” helped the Cubs to the National League’s best record in 2008, delivering a September no-hitter as a possible omen for the playoffs.