Kazmir versus Zambrano

On July 30, 2004 John Manuel posted the following:

While the Devil Rays have had success developing everyday players, such as outfielders Rocco Baldelli and Carl Crawford and third baseman Aubrey Huff, they haven't had the same luck bringing pitchers to the major leagues. That trend could change after they pulled off a stunning trade on Friday.

Tampa Bay dealt its most effective starter, Victor Zambrano, and Triple-A righthander Bartolome Fortunato to the Mets for a pair of Double-A pitchers, most notably Scott Kazmir, one of the top lefthanders in the minors. The Rays also acquired righty Joselo Diaz.

Two years later, already into this young season, the difference between the two is stark. Scott Kazmir is 2-1, a 4.07 ERA, with a whip of 1.52. Victor Zambrano on the other hand is 1-2, with a 9.64 ERA and a whip well over 2.