Twitter: @RobShawSports and @BloombergSports

Carlos Zambrano is making himself at home in Miami.  He finally picked up his first win of the season last week with a three-hitter, which pushed his ERA down to 1.98.  The ERA only declined further, to 1.88, after seven solid innings against the Mets on Sunday.  Zambrano fanned seven batters while walking three in yet another no-decision.

With his control in check, Zambrano is one of the better hurlers in baseball right now.  Aside from one outing in which he issued six walks, Zambrano has walked three batters or fewer in every start this season.

When playing for the Cubs, part of the job description was to handle Wrigley Field in every home start.  Sometimes the wind would push the ball out of the stadium, adding yet another component to his performance.  This season, Zambrano will call home to a pitcher-friendly Marlins Park.  Yet, so far most of Zambrano’s starts have come on the road, where he has offered a 1.55 ERA.

Though his volatile personality will always carry some risk, this is also the same pitcher that has won 16 or more games on three different occasions.  Having shed a great deal of weight during the off-season and with his control and temper in check, Zambrano is a pitcher you can invest in.

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