enigma wrote:
Brian Paruch was criticizing Cubs fans tonite for booing Zambrano and not offering support. Brian basically echoed Carlos' after game thoughts about the fans.
Last time I checked the ticket stub, there was nothing saying that I had act like a lemming and cheer the Cubs no matter what happened on the field. Brian said it is the fans job to support the team. No, when I go to the game I pay to be entertained and hope to see the home team win. When a player does not consistently live up to my expectations and plays poorly, don't expect to get cheered.
It's one thing if this start had been an aberration, one bad start out of 10. But he hasn't won in a month, has had two good months out of six and just signed a contract for about 18 million a year. By signing this lucrative contract expectations have been raised, if he can't handle it then tough.
Brian also mentioned that if a player gives it his all, he shouldn't get booed if his performance still suffers. This isn't little league. You don't win trophies for hustle, in the end the only thing that matters is win and losses and championships. Is it fair? Maybe not, but getting paid millions of dollars to play a child's game should more than make up for it.
Brian also mentioned that Carlos should have built up some equity due to his success in previous years. Well Carlos has been a good to very good pitcher, but last time I checked he has won no Cy Young awards, and pitched poorly in the 2003 playoffs. Zambrano 16 wins last year does nothing to help the Cubs this year.
I just get tired of pampered athletes, mostly Cub players, complaining of getting booed. If you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen. Or go play in KC or Tampa, you probably won't get booed if you play poorly. Of course there might not be anyone in the stands.
I wonder if he is taking this viewpoint to take the oppostive viewpoint....