Tall Tales: The Andrew Zarzour Story

[AZTarHeel]

Red Sox stand atop baseball world

Boston Red Sox fans haven't felt this good since the days of Pat O'Farrell and Bill Carrigan.

After a lengthy World Series drought, the Beantowners secured their place at the top of the baseball world with a 4-games-to-1 triumph in the 2000 World Series over the Houston Astros.

Game five went down to the wire before Boston prevailed 5-4, touching off wild celebrations and fireworks at Fenway Park.

Nomar Garciaparra scored what would be the clinching run in the bottom of the eighth on one of the simplest plays in the game, the sac fly. Garciaparra singled with one out, then DH Brian Giles moved him to third with a hard-hit ball to the gap in right-center.

The Astros brought in closer Eric Gagne at this point, but Paul Konerko did his job for the Red Sox, belting a ball deep enough into left to allow Garciaparra ample time to tag up and come home for the 5-4 lead.

Mike Stanton then sat the 'Stros down 1-2-3, reviving celebrations in Boston that were commonplace decades ago when O'Farrell guarded the keystone sack, and Carrigan played catcher and managed the Sox...

______________

If I'm referencing O'Farrell's Red Sox dynasty, I can't really mention the curse because, well, there isn't really one there, right? ;-)

[Ric915]

Hey AZtarheel just read this whole thread awesome stuff very much looking forward to how this plays out

[AZTarHeel]

Originally Posted by Ric915

Hey AZtarheel just read this whole thread awesome stuff very much looking forward to how this plays out

Hey Ric, thanks for the kind comments ... this dynasty has been a lot of fun, maybe more than I realized it would be at first. I haven't killed my Arizona League dynasty or anything. It's just on hiatus for a little bit. One of our computers at home (the one I had been using) died in May, and so now I have to "share" computers with my wife. My OOTP time is down because of that, and so I've decided to focus on the Big Z's story for right now. Hopefully will have a new computer soon and can pick the AZL back up again...

Thanks for stopping by...

AZ

[AZTarHeel]

For all you stat-geek types out there, here are some numbers on Zarzour's 2000 season. Not bad for a 19-year-old, eh? Six quality starts out of 10 is promising...

His game-by-game for his 10 starts

Date	Opp.	 Result	Start	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	Dec	 	 	 	 
8/20	PIT	L 1-3	*	8	9	3	1	1	8	L	 	 	 	 
8/26	SFN	W 5-4	*	6	4	4	3	2	11	 	 	 	 	 
8/31	COL	W 10-5	*	6.1	5	5	5	2	8	W	 	 	 	 
9/5	@FLO	W 5-2	*	8.1	5	2	2	1	5	W	 	 	 	 
9/10	@SDN	L 1-6	*	5	6	6	6	2	7	L	 	 	 	 
9/15	ARI	W 7-3	*	8	7	2	2	4	5	W	PoG	 	 	 
9/20	@HOU	W 11-6	*	6.1	5	5	4	2	6	W	 	 	 	 
9/25	@SLN	L 3-4	*	8	6	3	3	3	4	 	 	 	 	 
9/30	COL	L 2-4	*	9	7	4	4	0	9	L	 	 	 	 
10/5	NYN	L 0-5	*	7.1	3	3	2	5	7	L	

G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	BB	K	CG	CG%	SHO	QS	QS%
 10	10	4	4	0	3.98	72.1	57	37	32	22	70	1	10.0	0	6	60.0

Left-right splits

         AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	BB	K	SF	SH	HP	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS
vs. LHB	70	18	4	1	5	12	14	6	19	0	0	0	.257	.308	.557	.865
vs. RHB	194	39	8	0	11	21	23	16	51	0	0	0	.201	.258	.412	.671

Zarzour's career numbers to date

Year	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	BB	K	CG	SHO	Teams
1999	1	1	1	0	0	1.29	7.0	5	1	1	1	5	0	0	 LAN
2000	10	10	4	4	0	3.98	72.1	57	37	32	22	70	1	0	LAN
Total	11	11	5	4	0	3.74	79.1	62	38	33	23	75	1	0

Batting stats

Year	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	BB	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	Teams
1999	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000	.000	.000	.000	 LAN
2000	10	26	6	0	0	0	2	2	0	9	0	0	.231	.231	.231	.462	LAN
Total	11	27	6	0	0	0	2	2	0	9	0	0	.222	.222	.222	.444

No leaderboard appearances this season for the Big Z ...


Dodgers' entire rotation for 2000

Player	         #	Role	Birthday	Bats	Throws	ERA	W	L	S	WHIP	 
STARTERS	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
Ted Lilly	46	SP	1/4/1976	Left	Left	5.22	5	4	0	1.58	 
Andrew Zarzour	72	SP	12/29/1980	Right	Left	3.98	4	4	0	1.09	 
Ramon Martinez	62	SP	3/22/1968	Right	Right	3.73	17	11	0	1.26	 
Darren Dreifort	84	SP	5/3/1972	Right	Right	3.57	20	8	0	1.22	 
Ismael Valdes	95	SP	8/21/1973	Right	Right	2.81	7	8	1	1.13	 
Hideo Nomo	56	SP	8/31/1968	Right	Right	5.89	6	15	0	1.68	 
RELIEVERS	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
Kazuhiro Sasaki	5	MR	2/22/1968	Right	Right	3.84	3	3	2	1.08	 
Trevor Hoffman	14	CL	10/13/1967	Right	Right	0.95	5	2	26	0.87	 
Alan Embree	43	MR	1/23/1970	Left	Left	4.02	4	4	1	1.40	 
Scott Sauerbeck	72	MR	11/9/1971	Right	Left	5.16	1	5	8	1.66	 
Dennys Reyes	41	MR	4/19/1977	Left	Left	4.92	5	3	1	1.77	 
Mark Guthrie	40	MR	9/22/1965	Right	Left	4.62	4	5	0	1.46	 
Brad Clontz	32	MR	4/25/1971	Right	Right	4.05	3	1	0	1.50	 
Ryan Franklin	84	MR	3/5/1973	Right	Right	12.27	0	0	0	1.91	 
Antonio Osuna	92	MR	4/12/1973	Right	Right	3.00	0	0	0	1.42

[AZTarHeel]

Dear Brandon,

Hey friend, how do you like the post-card? Yep, that's where I am right now as I write this. This place blows me away. You're driving through some high desert and then all of the sudden you come up on it, and WOW! Me and some of the guys from the Dodgers who are playing in the Arizona Fall League came up before the season gets under way.

How is life on the Hill? Have you gotten your Tar Heel basketball tickets yet? I'm not sure if I'm sold on Matt Doherty as coach of Carolina yet. Not enough experience to run a program like that. It's too bad the Heels couldn't get Roy Williams, but I understand why he stayed at Kansas. He has a nice program there and I seriously looked at going there if I would have stayed with basketball.

Anyways, just an update on my end. They've actually decided not to use me this season in the Arizona Fall League. I complained of some elbow tenderness during my last bullpen session. The docs checked me out, and once word got back to the brass in LA, they decided to shut me down until spring. I can't say that I'm that upset. I am pretty fatigued and threw a lot of innings this season, in Albuquerque and LA. It should do me good in the long run. I think I'll stay in Arizona for awhile, though, and just be a part of the team and the experience. I've met some cool people here, and our little apartment in Mesa is a pretty happening place.

If you get bored, check out the Mesa Solar Sox on the Web. That's our team. We should be OK, even without me.

Take care, can't wait to see you and everyone in NC again. Over the holidays, we'll have to get together. I'll whip your tail in Madden 2001 by the way. I've been playing it all the time since I got to Arizona, and few people can beat me.

Andrew

**********

Just a quick note: I decided not to sim out the fall league like I had planned. I was having some problems making it work the way I wanted to, and it turned out to be such an endeavor to pull it off manually. I figured I'd rather go on ahead and jump to the 2001 season. Hope folks don't mind too much.

[AZTarHeel]

November 14, 2000

A smattering of topics to heat up your hot stove:

Ch-ch-changes
Now that it's official that Davey Johnson won't return as manager in LA, we turn our attention to who will replace him. We've heard a few names mentioned prominently, but one keeps popping up more often than the others. Look for the Dodgers to name Jim Tracy as their next skipper any day now. Tracy was the team's bench coach in 1999 and 2000. He's never had a managing job before for a Major League team but top brass seem confident in going with him.

We're also hearing that former MLB catcher and current TV personality Bob Brenly will take over the lowly Diamondbacks' franchise.


Free agent fever
It's looking more and more likely that this will be a HUGE free agent season for teams. There are some big names, for sure, going into the off-season sweepstakes. The Dodgers, who have been stingy with their free agent cash the past few years — barely spending any money — could be poised to a be a big player this off-season. At least that's what GM Kevin Malone has been hinting at.

The headliner of course is 25-year-old shortstop Alex Rodriguez, who has said he wants out of Seattle and plans to file for free agency. Other top-name players likely headed that route as well include Gary Sheffield, Chipper Jones, Johnny Damon and Ray Durham.

Could A-Rod be trading the great Northwest for Dodger blue? LA would have to pay a pretty penny for his services, but we believe Malone and company will make a strong play for the five-star prospect, who could be one of the better players in the game right now. Word has it that A-Rod is seeking a seven-year deal in the neighborhood of $12 million per year.

San Diego, which won the NL West this past season, also appears interested in A-Rod as well as Chipper Jones. The Yankees seem to be drooling the most over Sheff.


So long Edgar?
If the Dodgers manage to snag A-Rod, that would likely mean the end of the line in LA for current starting SS Edgar Renteria. We're hearing chatter that he would be traded away for pitching help. The Dodgers seem to want another starter considering its youth behind Darren Driefort and Ramon Martinez.

Would other players go if A-Rod is signed? Some of our snooping has suggested that the Dodgers might deal Mike Piazza, another high-priced player, for a big bunch of prospects. Then the Dodgers would build around A-Rod with a ton of talented youngsters (including a few that are already here, like Josh Hamilton and pitcher Andrew Zarzour).

We have to question why LA would trade away Piazza, at least initially. Imagine a lineup featuring Paul Lo Duca (playing 1B), Piazza and A-Rod in the 3-4-5 spots. That would pack quite a punch for sure, especially if you add in Raul Mondesi, who had a nice power surge at the end of last season...


This and That
Word on the street is that Andrew Zarzour's elbow issues aren't much to crow about. The Dodgers shut him down from play in the Arizona Fall League before he even threw a pitch in a game. They just wanted him to get some rest and save his best stuff for the spring after complaints of some soreness. Nothing serious beyond that, we're told...

One Dodgers' scout was adament in his belief that Josh Hamilton could be the next great star of the club. "He's got the sweetest swing I've seen in a long time," the scout said. "He could hit .325 or better next year, you wait."

Down on the farm, a young Albert Pujols has been making waves. The Dominican born player, a first-round draft pick, ended last season in Triple A. Look for him to make a move for the Big Club in 2001. Other players to watch down next season in LA's system include SS Adam Everett and RF Craig Wilson.

[AZTarHeel]

Ed Scalfani
P.O. Box 771
Bunn, NC 27508

Tim Zarzour
440 N.C. Hwy 98-East
Bunn, NC 27508


Dec. 8, 2000

Dear Tim,

Marcie and I just wanted to thank you for coming to our engagement party last week. And thanks too for the cool gifts. A crystal bowl and sterling silver serving spoon were what we always wanted. OK, maybe it's what Marcie always wanted. You know me, I would have been happy with a six-pack of Mountain Dew.

Seriously, it has been great getting to know you this past year. When they told me that a high school kid was coming to the fire and rescue department to serve community service, I was pretty wary. And I know we didn't hit it off too well right off the bat, did we? But Marcie and I both seen you really grow up a lot these past few months and we both think you've got a very bright future ahead of you.

I know you hear this a lot, but you do have a lot of passion and drive. Just make sure you channel that in the right direction, and you'll do well in life. Go ahead and play baseball this spring, even though part of you doesn't want to. One day you might be like me if you don't, regretting that you never played sports your last couple of years in high school.

As you know, Marcie will graduate from NC State in just a few days. Then, we're getting married in early January. After our honeymoon trip (can't tell you yet where we're going, so you won't spoil it for her!), we'll be moving back to New York, where she was born and where I was born and grew up.

Marcie got accepted into Columbia University's graduate school (for business). I'll likely get back on as a firefighter somewhere. I've talked to some of my old buddies in Brooklyn, and they're confident one of the firehouses will need an extra hand. I used to ride with Engine 212, so maybe I can get back on with them.

Not sure yet where we're going to live, but we'll likely try to get her as close to Columbia as possible. We'll keep you posted. I just can't get wait to get back to my old stomping grounds. The South is great and all, but nothing beats the city (and people won't make fun of my "accent").

Remember that you're welcome to visit us anytime you want. I'll leave my Playstation in the extra bedroom (I may never get to play it again anyway once we get married).

Oh, and tell your brother Andrew thanks for the Dodgers stuff for my dad. My family has pretty much sworn off the Dodgers since they moved out of Brooklyn (my grandpa especially is still sore about all that), but with knowing that your brother plays for them, we might become fans once again. Still won't cheer for them against my Mets, but hope your brother and the Dodgers do well the rest of the time. How is his elbow? I hope it is healing well...

Take care, Tim. We'll see you at the wedding.

Your friend,
Big Ed

[AZTarHeel]

January 14, 2001

A-Rod, Padres heat up talks

Folks, we're going to call this one right now. The Dodgers gave an A-1 effort to get A-Rod, no doubt. Kevin Malone, LA's high-rolling GM, offered him the moon, even a few stars. But the 25-year-old all-everything shortstop ain't coming to Los Angeles (and you know we're serious when we use the word "ain't" in a sentence.). You can take it to the bank.

Ah, the bank. The Dodgers appeared the front-runner for days. They got into the race early. We heard they put down a 7-year deal worth more than $80 million. A-Rod said all the right things about Dodger lore, Dodger dogs and even praised Vin Scully. Then the Padres made their late push, just like in last season's NL West race. And from what we've heard, A-Rod just put the City of Angels in his rearview mirror as he heads south to Padre land.

Several sources we have close to the situation confirm that A-Rod likes the smaller market setting that San Diego would bring. And they said he believes the Padres are better built for success anyways. It's hard to argue, with them most likely getting Chipper Jones to go with an already loaded lineup that includes Alphonso Soriano, Brad Penny, Mike Lowell, Trot Nixon, Mark Sweeney, etc.

So, in a nutshell, San Diego appears to be the new power rising in the National League, and A-Rod will be their ultimate shining star. The Dodgers will have to settle for Jeff Cirillo and Johnny Damon as this year's free agent catches.

If we're wrong on this one, we'll swim in the buff all the way to Hawaii.

[AZTarHeel]

January 21, 2001

A-Rod: "Being a Dodger is a dream come true"

The cameras clicked. Flashes popped. And shortstop Albert Rodriguez, new Dodgers manager Jim Tracy and general manager Kevin Malone couldn't stop smiling.

In a made for media moment, the three got together yesterday at the Dodgers' complex — also joined on center stage by starting catcher Mike Piazza — to announce that, yes, a deal had been struck to bring the 25-year-old phenom to Los Angeles. Despite rumors to the contrary that floated last week, A-Rod is going to be a Dodger.

He will be a rich Dodger at that. Contract details released yesterday put his deal at six years for $15.1 million per year. That's a lot of Dodger dogs.

"Wow! What a reception. I feel overwhelmed and very, very happy to be here," Rodriguez said at a packed news conference, which also include the mayor of Los Angeles and several other current and former members of the club. "I still feel like someone's going to pinch me and wake me up.

"I've come to a point in my career when winning is the most important thing. And being a Dodger — it provides the opportunity, when you drive to the ballpark, every day you have a chance to win..."

The signing of Rodriguez puts the Dodgers' payroll as the highest in the National League. When asked if he planned to make moves specifically to bring that number down, Malone simply responded, "No."

Edgar Renteria, the Dodgers' starting shortstop in 2000, likely will be on his way to a new team. Several teams have already inquired about Renteria, Malone said.

"Edgar wants to be an everyday player, and I can understand that," Malone said. "He told us he'd like to be moved if we got A-Rod. It's a tough thing, but we just didn't feel that we could let the opportunity to get the game's best player pass us by."

Tracy, who replaces Davey Johnson as manager, inherits a solid lineup for his first year on the job. The Dodgers picked up Jeff Cirillo and Johnny Damon in free agency, and plan to continue using Piazza and Paul Lo Duca as a catcher-first base combo package. Starting pitchers Ramon Martinez and Darren Driefort return, as do young upstarters Josh Hamilton (LF) and Ted Lilly (SP) and Andrew Zarzour (SP).

"I'm pretty excited. This is a big, big one," Tracy said.

[AZTarHeel]

A scout evaluates…

LHP Andrew Zarzour, Los Angeles Dodgers

March 28, 2001

Had the chance to watch several appearances by the 7-foot-2 pitcher this spring (who’s probably more like 6-11 or 7-0) … He had a good spring overall and showed good command in each outing. He’s still going to struggle giving up the long ball, I believe, but he’ll likely pile up the strikeouts too. It’s just the give and take you get with a power pitcher … Reminds me of a young Randy Johnson for obvious reasons but has a bit better command of his pitches than the Big Unit at this stage… Zarzour seems to have lost a little speed on his fastball, maybe a mile or two slower than last season. But again, the control is good. He has a good rapport with his catchers.

Saw no signs of elbow problems that he complained about last fall. The winter off from pitching seems to have done him a lot of good … Has a pretty good move to first and his fielding is adequate. May even surprise from time to time at the plate.

Bottom line: he’ll be a good No. 3 or No. 4 guy for the Dodgers this season, a nice compliment to Ramon Martinez and Driefort. Confidence will be key, especially if opposing hitters continue to hit balls out on him…

T.M.

[AZTarHeel]

A few news and notes before jumping into the 2001 season:

• The Dodgers did in fact trade Edgar Renteria right after getting A-Rod in free agency. It was neat to see the offers roll in as soon as Rodriguez signed. The best came from Texas, which offered SP Bronson Arroyo and MR Jeff Tam. Kind of ironic that it was Texas, since that’s where A-Rod went after Seattle…

• The Dodgers’ pitching rotation on opening day will be
1. Ramon Martinez
2. Damon Driefort
3. Ted Lilly
4. Andrew Zarzour
5. Ismael Valdez

Spot Starter: Bronson Arroyo

Key Relievers: Alan Embree, Dennys Reyes, Kazuhiro Sasaki, Scott Sauerbeck
Closer: Trevor Hoffman

Opening Day Lineup:
1. Eric Young (2B)
2. Johnny Damon (CF)
3. Paul Lo Duca (1B)
4. Alex Rodriguez (SS)
5. Mike Piazza (C)
6. Andy Tracy (3B)
7. Josh Hamilton (LF)
8. Raul Mondesi (RF)
9. Ramon Martinez (P)

Other key position players: Jeff Cirillo (3B), Dave Silvestri (Utility IF), Todd Zeile (3B/1B), Todd Hollandsworth (LF), CF Steve Finley (CF/OF) … Cirillo and Tracy will platoon at 3B for now (Tracy seems strong from the right side) … I think this team can be pretty good, especially offensively ... If Zarzour and Lilly can compliment Martinez and Driefort on the mound, this team could be great ... maybe...

*********

Here is a list of the cast of characters in our dynasty story, for those like me who tend to lose track:

Andrew Zarzour: the star of the show will begin his third season of professional baseball after being drafted in the first round by the Dodgers in 1999. He ended last season with the Big Club and will begin this one in Los Angeles. He’s 20 years old, with his big 21st birthday coming Dec. 29, 2001

Timmy Zarzour: Andrew’s little brother is a junior at Bunn High School. He's a bit of a free spirit and restless soul, and got kicked off the basketball team over the winter for missing too many practices. He seems to have his head on straight now that baseball is going on. He’s the starting catcher for the Wildcats, getting some preseason mentions for Class 2A all-state.

Mary Katherine Zarzour: The Zarzour boys’ older sister graduated from Peace College in Raleigh in December (with a double major, and with honors in both majors). She started work as an elementary school teacher in January at Davis Drive Elementary School in nearby Cary. For the rest of this year she’s filling in for a teacher who’s on maternity leave. She’ll have her own fifth-grade classroom in the fall.

Phillip and Elizabeth Zarzour: The Zarzour kids’ parents. Elizabeth is a typical mom, worried about whether her boys have clean socks and jackets. Phillip works hard, doesn't show much emotion but loves and provides for his family like a good dad should. The Zarzours own a farm in rural Franklin County that has been in the family for several generations.

Brandon Weaver: One of Andrew’s best friends from high school is a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. He’s now assistant sports editor for The Daily Tar Heel and a Bible study leader in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He’s waiting to here back from several places regarding summer internships. The Zebulon Record wants him back but he’s hoping to get on at a bigger paper this summer. For the heck of it, he even applied to work for MLB’s LA Dodgers Web site. Brandon is a big Red Sox fan (he applied there too!) and is loving life now that the Sox have won the World Series again (taking the title in 2000).

Robbie Maine: Another of Andrew’s best friends is a sophomore at NC State. He’s a Yankees fan and obviously is hating life with the Red Sox on top of the baseball world. He can’t understand why George Steinbrenner didn’t get in the A-Rod sweepstakes but is glad that Gary Sheffield ended up in pinstripes. He’s progressing nicely toward his degree in turf management and plans to work at McGregor Downs Country Club in Cary this summer as an intern groundskeeper. He shot a 73 during a round of golf over Christmas break at Cheviot Hill in North Raleigh, barely missing a hole-in-one on the first par three.

Josh Hamilton: The Dodgers’ starting left fielder going into 2001 played high school ball in Raleigh and got to know Zarzour while the two were still in high school. They’ve had some rough patches as pros but consider each other good friends. They pushed each other last season with the motto "Big Club By September." Both made it. Now it's "World Series or Bust!"

“Big Ed” Scalfani and new wife, Marcie: Big Ed was Timmy Zarzour’s mentor while Timmy performed some community service after getting arrested. Ed and Marcie enjoyed a nice wedding and honeymooned in the Canary Islands. In January, they moved from NC to New York, where Marcie will begin grad school at Columbia University. Big Ed, a fire-fighter and EMT by training, will join Engine 279 in Brooklyn, a few miles from his old neighborhood. He’s given Timmy Zarzour an open invite to visit NYC anytime and threatened to kick his butt if he gets in trouble at school again.

Jeff Innis: Bunn High’s baseball coach. He’s arranged a few spring break trips for his team to play exhibition games against other high schools in the Vero Beach, Fla. area, where Zarzour and the Dodgers have spring training.

I think those are the major characters right now. If I forgot one, I’ll add them in here with an edit.

*********

Key free agent signings around the league going into 2001: Chipper Jones signed with San Diego (they’ve really loaded up, which I like to see – competition!) … Ray Durham and Gary Sheffield signed with the Yankees … The Yanks let Mariano Rivera get away, however, to St. Louis … Andy Pettitte ended up in Tampa Bay …


If anyone wants an update on a particular player or team, let me know...

[AZTarHeel]

Zarzour tosses 1-hit gem
LA pitcher handcuffs favorite childhood team in 5-1 win

April 28, 2001

LOS ANGELES - Andrew Zarzour grew up idolizing the Philadelphia Phillies, even sporting a red Phillies cap in some newspaper pictures on the day he was drafted by the Dodgers in 1999.

“I’m not really sure why I picked them as my favorite team,” Zarzour said. “My dad and his brother rooted for them when they were growing up, and I just kind of got in line with them I guess. I was a big fan of Steve Carlton, and thought their red uniforms were pretty cool. On draft day, I obviously forgot to take my cap off for awhile.”

Last night, Zarzour pitched against his favorite childhood club. And he admits he was as amped up as he’s been for a game since turning professional at age 18. After a few first inning jitters, Zarzour pitched a gem against the Phils, giving up a single hit and leading LA to a 5-1 win.

Zarzour struck out 10 and walked three. Philadelphia’s only base hit came in the fourth inning, a harmless single by left-fielder Marty Cordova.

The Phillies’ lone run came in the first inning while Zarzour was still settling in. Bobby Abreu walked to lead off, stole second and then reached third on a throwing error. A fielder’s choice play by Gary Disarcina allowed Abreu to score. But that was about it for offense for the visitors to Dodger Stadium.

“I felt like they had a lot of base-runners. I was sure I gave up more than one hit,” Zarzour said.

The Dodgers committed three errors for the game, and combined with Z’s three walks allowed for six base-runners. But the 20-year-old North Carolina native wasn’t to be denied on this night, finishing out his complete game with a strike out of Torii Hunter. He threw 116 pitches on the night, 72 for strikes.

The Dodgers supplied their pitcher with plenty of offensive support. Lead-off man Raul Mondesi went 4-for-4 (a homer shy of the cycle). Jeff Cirillo, Alex Rodriguez and Mike Piazza each had two hits.

Zarzour, who didn’t give up a home run for the first time in five starts, improved to 3-1 on the season. His ERA after five outings is a respectable 4.15. The Dodgers improved to 15-9 with the win, leading the NL West by a game over the Padres…

***********

Here are Big Z's stats for the first five games. He's given up eight HRs so far, which is pretty disconcerting. Fortunately, few of those long balls have come back to hurt him. Most are solo shots.

Date	Opp.	 Result	Start	IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	Dec	 	 
4/4	CHN	W 10-2  *	9	6	2	2	0	8	W	 	 
4/12	@COL	W 6-4   *	7	7	4	4	1	7	W	 	 
4/17	ARI	L 5-9    *	6	8	5	5	2	5	L	 	 
4/22	@SFN	W 11-8  *	3.2	7	5	5	1	2	 	 	 
4/27	PHI	W 5-1   *	9	1	1	0	3	10	W	PoG

[Sagitta]

Torii Hunter is a Phillie?

How have the Phils been faring in this alternate universe? Surely they have to have been doing at least somewhat better than they did in reality...

[AZTarHeel]

Originally Posted by Sagitta

Torii Hunter is a Phillie?

How have the Phils been faring in this alternate universe? Surely they have to have been doing at least somewhat better than they did in reality...

Philly hasn't been that great in the three years I've been simming, I'm afraid. They've won 78, 81 and 75 games, respectively, finishing third, third and fifth in the NL East. So far this year, the Phils are six games under .500.

Curt Schilling is still pitching in Philly. He's their ace. Andy Benes is having a solid year, with four early wins. Torii Hunter actually was drafted by Texas and then traded to Philadelphia. He's batting leadoff but is only hitting a buck 50 over the first month. 1B Hal Morris is the top hitter so far, .330 after a month... They've got four guys on the DL early so that's not so good ...

Hope that helps ... maybe they'll get things rolling with Spiezio, Rolen and Abreu in the lineup ... Philly is at least better than the Mets, who've only won four games in April. Yeesh...

[Recte44]

Albert???

[AZTarHeel]

Originally Posted by Recte44

Albert???

Ha, I wondered when I was going to do that ... When I was a sports reporter in Arizona in the early 2000s (not that long ago), I covered a three-sport prep athlete named Albert Rodriguez for a couple of years. He was a football, basketball and baseball standout (even played shortstop) ... When you've typed that name hundreds of times, it kind of just rolls off the keyboard without much thought ...

AZ

[Recte44]

Tell me what's up with the Brew Crew!

[AZTarHeel]

From: ZarzourFamily99@earthlink.net
Sent: May 1, 2001 • 9:46 AM
To: AZarzour72@earthlink.net
Subject: Here we come

Good morning, son. It's mom. We're sitting here in Raleigh-Durham Airport waiting for our flight to New York. We're way early — you know how your father is when we travel — and they're telling us things are on a 40-minute delay. So I thought I would write a quick email to tell you how excited we are to be coming to the Big Apple to watch you pitch!

I have to pinch myself sometimes. I still can't believe my boy is a Major Leaguer! We're so proud of you, and of how you've handled yourself now that you're a celebrity in Los Angeles. You make the family and all of Bunn and Franklin County beam with pride.

I'm sure glad you introduced us to your friend Matt Carter, the travel agent from Wake Forest. He has really helped us out with all our crazy last-minute trips. He managed to find a ticket for Timmy as well. Surprise! He's coming with us. He doesn't have a baseball game after all tonight. The team Bunn was supposed to play was from a different conference and they had to cancel with us because they were making up a league game or something.

I was so impressed with Timmy. The only way he would go with us is if everyone on his team said he could miss practice. He even volunteered to run everyone's laps this morning before school and do his own individual workout. Well, as it turns out, the entire team decided to show up this morning before school for a 5:15 a.m. practice. It was quite a site, all the boys out there in the predawn hours doing BP and infield practice. Even Coach Innis was impressed. (Timmy will fly back by himself tomorrow morning, while we'll stay in NYC for a few days).

Hope you don't mind me saying this, but I think this year's Bunn team might be a better overall team than your senior year. They have more depth up and down the lineup. You should see Timmy behind the plate, too. He's had a great year so far and likely will be all-state. He's getting some calls from small schools, even UNC-Greensboro and Appalachian State have inquired. Looks like he's turned the corner from his crazy winter. Of course, big brother's success could be opening some doors for him.

So, here's our plan today. Timmy's friend "Big Ed" and his wife, Marcie, plan to meet us at the airport and help us get to our hotel. We'll all do dinner together — Timmy is very excited about seeing Ed again — and then we'll head to the ballpark. Thanks for swinging tickets for Big Ed's dad, too. He was very touched by that. He apparently hasn't been feeling very well lately. He might even cheer for the Dodgers, Ed told us. Of course, the Mets are dreadful this year. I can't believe they only won four games in April. Yikes.

But don't get too confident! You've still got to focus tonight, son. Make sure you wear clean socks and don't wear that dirty old hat, OK? Remember not to eat anything greasy or drink sodas today either. Sorry, once a mom...

Can't wait to see you. I guess I'll get back to my book now. This Left Behind series is quite addicting. I'm on the fourth book already.

Love,
Mom

[AZTarHeel]

From: BigEdTheFireman@aol.com
Sent: May 4, 2001 • 10:10 A.M.
To: AZarzour72@earthlink.net
Subject: Thanks!

Hi Andrew, this is "Big Ed" here from Brooklyn. Just wanted to thank you so much for the tickets to the Mets-Dodgers game the other night for my wife, my dad and I. I haven't seen my dad this excited in a long time. The chemo treatments have been pretty rough on him, but he was like a kid again at the baseball game. He looked so good and had a smile that had been missing for months.

I've told you how he and my grandpa swore off the Dodgers when they left Brooklyn for Los Angeles. We were forbidden to even talk about the Dodgers when we were kids. But I caught my dad cheering for your team some last night (and Marcie and me did as well, I confess). Part of that is because the Mets are absolutely horrible this year (4-24 after the latest loss -- I can't believe it). But some of it, too, is because of your generosity and because we all have a link back to the team through you.

We were all amazed at how well you pitched and how poised you were out there. My dad still doesn't believe you're only 20 years old. He told me he thought you were at least 28!

You were right about Mike Piazza. It seems he always has a big game when you pitch. His three-run homer in the top of the first was a beauty. A sky shot to deep right! He was an obvious choice for game MVP, finishing with five RBIs. You've got to hand it to your defense as well. Josh Hamilton and Rod Lindsey both had nice throws from the outfield to gun down runners trying to stretch doubles into triples.

All in all, it was a blessed night for my family, and I believe yours had a blast as well. I was glad Timmy got a chance to come up even if it was only for the night. Hope you don't mind, but he's likely going to come to New York for an extended stay this summer. He really wanted to see the inner workings of a "big city" fire department and I think he was entranced by New York City in general. Don't worry, we'll take care of him up here.

Anyways, just wanted you to know you made it a great night for all of us. Best of luck the rest of the season. Hope you guys can make the playoffs so I'll have a team to cheer for. I think the Mets could win the rest of their games and still not make the post-season.

Take care,

Big Ed

***********
The Dodgers beat New York 8-2, moving Andrew Zarzour's record to 4-1 after six starts. Zarzour went 6.1 innings against the lowly Mets, giving up six hits and two runs (a two-run HR to Jeffrey Hammonds). Piazza finished 3-for-5 and Johnny Damon was 4-for-5 ... Dodgers are 17-10 overall and leading the NL West by a game or so ...

[AZTarHeel]

BREAKING NEWS

Dodgers' GM gets fired
Verbal tirade against Padres fan results in Kevin Malone's ouster

May 10, 2001

LOS ANGELES - When Kevin Malone came to the Dodgers as GM in 1998, he cockily described himself as "the new sheriff in town."

Yesterday, the sheriff got run out of town.

Malone was fired by Dodgers executes a few days after engaging in a verbal tirade against a San Diego Padres fan who had been heckling new LA shortstop Alex Rodriguez.

"This is just not what we want to see from our leadership," a statement from the Dodgers organization, released last night, said. "We thank Mr. Malone for his service here, but we feel it is time to cut our ties and move in a new direction."

Malone had played a lead role in building the current Dodgers' line-up, including fostering talks to bring A-Rod to LA during the off-season and keeping both Mike Piazza and Paul Lo Doca on the roster even though both prefer to play catcher.

Dave Wallace will take over as the Dodgers' new general manager.