Carlos Zambrano News: Pro Sports Daily

Cubs' bus ride isn't smooth, but Zambrano is

Comment

March 16

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs' bus broke down Monday on the way to Tucson, but Carlos Zambrano had a backup plan. While the rest of the team waited for another bus, the quick-thinking Zambrano got permission to ride in a car with his cousin, who was following the bus to Hi Corbett Field. Zambrano took catcher Koyie Hill with him, then pitched four innings of one-run ball in a 5-2 loss to the Rockies. "Hopefully I can pitch like this the whole season," he said. "Like (Greg) Maddux used to say, it's better to have movement than velocity. Don't get me wrong, velocity is good." The bus was fixed before the new one arrived, and everyone made it to the Rockies' ballpark on time. "Thank God the bus came on time and ..."

Big Z will pinch-hit only in 'emergency or pinch'

Comment

February 27

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella confirmed on Friday what Carlos Zambrano already knew. The Cubs won't be calling on Zambrano to pinch-hit as often in 2010. Zambrano said Thursday he expected Kevin Millar to make the team, alleviating him of pinch-hit duties. While Zambrano was only 1-for-7 as a pinch-hitter in 2009, the mere sight of him in the on-deck circle created a buzz at Wrigley Field. "They enjoy watching him, I understand that," Piniella said. "But obviously we'd all rather have a bat coming off the bench, using Carlos only in an emergency or a pinch." Bobby Scales (7-for-14 with two home runs) was the Cubs' top pinch-hitter in '09. The one who got the most opportunities was Aaron Miles, who hit .167 ..."

The buzz is about Zambrano

Comment

February 21

Chicago Sun-Times

columnist Gordon Wittenmyer

"Carlos Zambrano took off his cap to show his new buzz cut. He got it more than a month ago, and at the time somebody reminded him it was the same haircut he had when he made his major-league debut nine years ago against Milwaukee. So he has decided to keep the look. Because, he said, ''I feel like a new guy. I feel like a rookie again.'' Zambrano didn't do so well that day in 2001, losing 10-2. But you get the idea. The abundantly talented Cubs pitcher with the self-destructive tendencies is changing his ways in 2010. He's trimmed down on a new diet. He feels strong and healthy. He's in a better place mentally. Emotionally. Temperamentally. Metaphysically. Supernaturally. ..."

Seriously, Zambrano rarin' to go

Comment

February 19

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano did some charity work in Guatemala. And some more in Mexico. He shoveled snow in Chicago as a first-time full-time resident of the city. And he even got his green card, on the way to becoming a U.S. citizen. Anything and everything this winter to forget a nine-win, once-suspended, twice-disabled 2009 season that went every which way but right for Zambrano and the disappointing Cubs. ''I had a lot of frustration,'' the Cubs' ace said of a season that began with a win on Opening Day but unraveled into such disarray that trade rumors began swirling over the summer and again over the winter -- despite the fact Zambrano has full no-trade rights. Though he says he knew the rumors ..."

It's a mistake to count on Zambrano

Comment

February 19

Chicago Tribune

columnist Dan McNeil

"My hobbies include both wandering and wondering. In two weeks I will wander to Arizona to take a peek at this "all hands on deck" approach the Cubs are selling. Meanwhile, I'm wondering if Thursday's news about Ted Lilly's ailing knee has alarmed fans as much as it should. The Cubs need a healthy Lilly as much as they need Carlos Zambrano to get his act together. And there is no such thing as a minor procedure when it's performed on a pitcher's shoulder, especially when he's 34, as Lilly is. Now comes the need for an examination of Lilly's right knee. Ouch. It's a good thing Zambrano found a gym and learned to push himself away from the table this winter, but Lilly has been the only ..."

Zambrano and Dempster must pick up slack

Comment

February 19

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano feels like he has discovered the fountain of youth. Ryan Dempster says his infant daughter's battle with a rare disease has inspired him. Now, with Ted Lilly rehabbing from shoulder surgery and having his sore right knee examined Thursday, it's going to be up to Zambrano and Dempster to carry the starting load into the season. How will the veterans, who spent their offseasons in Chicago, respond to the task? Zambrano finished with only nine victories last season, then went on an offseason conditioning program that saw him shed 15 pounds. His performance humbled him, but manager Lou Piniella says Zambrano is capable of winning 18 or more games. "I'm a proud guy," Zambrano ..."

Cubs like Zambrano's new look, attitude

Comment

February 5

Chicago Tribune

"After spending the offseason in Chicago for the first time in his career, Carlos Zambrano flew down to Arizona last week to get a head start on spring training. Pitchers and catchers don't have to report to Fitch Park in Mesa until Feb. 17, but Zambrano already is working out, promising to atone for his nine-victory season. "We did it quietly," general manager Jim Hendry said. "I don't think he wanted any publicity for that. He's going about his business well. I think you're going to get a very well-focused guy who's determined to rectify last year's season." With Ted Lilly out until May, the onus will be on Zambrano and Ryan Dempster to get off to good starts and stay healthy, keeping ..."

Cubs Convention shows the weight's off for 2010

Comment

January 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"Every Cubs Convention seems to have that turn-your-head moment, and there were several Friday at the Hilton Chicago. There was catcher Geovany Soto -- missing a double chin and about 40 pounds -- stealing the show. There was pitcher Carlos Zambrano running his hand down a flat belly and raving about the nutritionist and personal chef the Cubs have hired to keep their players thin. And then there was All-Star left-hander Ted Lilly -- coming off the second shoulder operation of his major-league career -- having a conversation about maybe facing the end of his career when shortstop Ryan Theriot interrupted in surprise. ''You look great,'' Theriot said before offering a hug. ''Doesn't he?'' ..."

Big Z on Bradley: 'Sometimes a little strange'

Comment

January 15

Chicago Tribune

"Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano says controversial outfielder Milton Bradley wasn't a clubhouse problem last season for the Cubs, but should have been more careful in his dealings with the media. Speaking Thursday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on WMVP-AM 1000, Zambrano defended Bradley, who was traded to Seattle last month for pitcher Carlos Silva. "For me, he was good in the clubhouse," Zambrano said. "He was a little moody ... sometimes a little strange, but he was good"

Cubs must fill in the blank now that Lilly is out

Comment

January 11

Chicago Sun-Times

"Marlon Byrd isn't going to make or break the Cubs' season. But Carlos Zambrano might. That was the way it was set up when the big right-hander's $91.5 million contract was drawn up in 2007, and it never has been more true than now, with the Cubs looking at starting a potential crossroads season with one All-Star lefty tied behind their backs. While the focus of the Cubs' off-season has been on getting rid of problem outfielder Milton Bradley and acquiring a center fielder (Byrd), the issues facing a pitching staff that has been among the best in the majors the last three seasons have gone largely unnoticed. The biggest issue is the fact that Ted Lilly, the team's winningest pitcher the ..."

Cubs GM Hendry declines to discuss Zambrano trade rumors

Comment

January 1

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano's name continues to surface in trade rumors, while the Cubs continue to deny that he's available. The latest report out of New York, from the Post's Joel Sherman, cited two AL officials as saying the Cubs are "definitely dangling" Zambrano, while also conceding he won't waive his no-trade clause. If Zambrano won't waive his no-trade clause, why are the Cubs even listening to offers? General manager Jim Hendry declined to discuss the report, or a previous report that the New York Yankees approached him about Zambrano before acquiring Javier Vazquez from Atlanta, reiterating he doesn't discuss trade talks."

Z's agent says no trade talks with Yankees

Comment

December 22

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs and Carlos Zambrano's representatives refuted a New York Post report Monday that said the Cubs and Yankees have discussed a trade involving Zambrano. The Cubs' starting- pitching depth is in question -- at least to start the season -- because of Ted Lilly's recent shoulder surgery. Zambrano also has a full no-trade clause and no desire to go anywhere else."

Yankees GM Brian Cashman eyes starter by new year

Comment

December 21

New York Post

"Yankees GM Brian Cashman's list of naughty and nice still includes a few starting pitchers in the latter category. With his everyday lineup for 2010 set, Cashman has turned attention to the rotation, and will almost certainly add a starter by New Year's, according to a major league source. Cashman is believed to have inquired about Carlos Zambrano, but with the Cubs' asking price high for the 28-year-old right-hander -- who is coming off an injury-plagued 2009 -- it's more probable the Yankees will go the free-agent route. That means selecting from a pool that includes Jason Marquis, Joel Pineiro and Ben Sheets, any of whom would slot behind CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte in ..."

Carlos Zambrano wins Silver Slugger

Comment

November 13

Chicago Tribune

"Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who has volunteered eagerly for designated-hitter and pinch-hitting duties in the past despite swinging-related stints on the disabled list, has been awarded his third Silver Slugger award for pitchers. The switch-hitting Zambrano is tied for the third-most awards for pitchers behind Mike Hampton (five) and Tom Glavine (four) after leading pitchers with four home runs and nine extra-base hits while batting .217. But there's a downside to his exuberance at the plate. He spent time on the disabled list for a strained hamstring while beating out a bunt and for a bulging disc in his back, likely aggravated with hard swings. While making a rehabilitation start at ..."

Zambrano won't waive no-trade clause

Comment

September 17

Chicago Tribune

"An hour before Wednesday night's game at Wrigley Field, Carlos Zambrano sat at a table near a TV in the Cubs' clubhouse, watching a discussion on whether he should be traded. The sound was off, and the clubhouse stereo was on, so Zambrano couldn't hear a word of it. "What does the fan poll say?" Zambrano asked. A day after falling apart on the mound and leaving a postgame news conference in a huff, Zambrano was able to sit back and laugh about his situation. He knows he has the hammer with a full no-trade clause in his contract, and sources indicated Wednesday he has no intention on waiving it this off-season. Asked if he hopes to see Zambrano return next year, manager Lou Piniella ..."

Lou: It's up to Zambrano

Comment

September 17

Chicago Sun-Times

"Cubs manager Lou Piniella said he believes Carlos Zambrano still can produce the big seasons his immense talent and contract promise -- in Chicago. ''I like the young man personally, and he's certainly capable of pitching better than he has this year,'' Piniella said. ''He needs to stay healthy, and part of staying healthy is working as hard as possible toward that goal.'' Piniella repeated Wednesday what he said a day earlier about looking at Zambrano every spring and envisioning a 20-win season, given dedication and focus. ''And I still feel that way about next year.'' Zambrano's eighth full season in the big leagues has been the most disappointing of his career, including two stints on ..."

Question is: Should 'Z' stay or should he go?

Comment

September 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano, the enigmatic Cubs ace, was in fine form Tuesday. Pitching a day after the one-year anniversary of his no-hitter against the Houston Astros, Zambrano baffled the Brewers for four innings, striking out eight and leading 4-0. In the fifth, he completely fell apart, yielding five runs before escaping with a no-decision in the Cubs' 13-7 victory. It was just the latest chapter in a disastrous season for Big Z. He missed a crucial stretch of August games due to a bad back that may have been caused by excessive batting practice, and admitted he has been "lazy" about doing preventative abdominal exercises. He twice has been on the DL and was suspended six games for "inappropriate ..."

'Z' to the shopping block?

Comment

September 16

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs finally acknowledged a glance at 2010 on Tuesday with the release of next year's schedule. Whether that means Cubs chairman Crane Kenney is out looking for a Greek priest to administer last rites to this season, it at least puts a time and a place -- April 5 in Atlanta -- on the question of whether Carlos Zambrano will be around to start next year's opener. Zambrano, whose no-decision in Tuesday night's 13-7 win over Milwaukee was as enigmatic as the pitcher himself, ranks with Milton Bradley as one of the most intriguing offseason subplots for the Cubs as another season falls far short of his exceptional talent -- in part, again, because of his own undoing. ''I don't care,'' ..."

Carlos Zambrano yanked again but Chicago Cubs win 13-7

Comment

September 16

Chicago Tribune

"The untapped potential of Carlos Zambrano has left three Cubs managers scratching their heads over the last eight years. How can someone with so much talent be such an enigma? Don Baylor, Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella all have tried to get into Zambrano's head, and all three have failed to some degree. "He has ample time to do the things we envisioned when he signed this contract, and hopefully he will," Piniella said before Tuesday night's 13-7 victory over the Brewers. "He's a talented young man. Focused, staying healthy and being totally dedicated -- those are the things that need to be done." Zambrano seemed focused early Tuesday night, but it turned out to be a mirage. After retiring ..."

Cubs plan on shopping Zambrano

Comment

September 15

Chicago Tribune

(scroll down)

"Now that Hendry is assured of returning in 2010, he'll have to decide which players to bring back. Dempster, who signed a four-year, $52 million deal last winter, is assured of returning. Zambrano, who signed a five-year, $91.5 million deal in August 2007, is not. Despite the fact that Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, the Cubs plan on shopping him this off-season, sources said, believing he'll waive the clause to go to the right team, as Jake Peavy eventually did when the Padres consummated a deal this summer with the White Sox. Zambrano said recently he's weary of the media scrutiny after being criticized for playing softball on a scheduled day off during his rehab stint. "Maybe if I ..."

Lou, Zambrano deny spat as Cubs' 8-5 win sweeps Pirates

Comment

September 10

Chicago Sun-Times

"Their season may be crazy, but the Cubs aren't mad. At least that's what they said after manager Lou Piniella and Carlos Zambrano put a lasting visual bow on the Cubs' two-city road trip with an animated, televised discussion on the mound that continued into the dugout after a seventh-inning pitching change Wednesday at PNC Park. 'I bet you asked him the same question because you saw the replay and everybody thought we were arguing,'' said Zambrano, who beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-5 for his first win since July 22. ''But we weren't. We were just talking normally. But every time Lou talks, it seems like he's mad. The way he moves his hands, everybody thinks he's mad, but he's not.'' The ..."

Zambrano pinched

Comment

September 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"It was one of those moments of clarity, maybe even one of those you hear about that involves a deathbed. But there was Cubs manager Lou Piniella looking at the bases loaded and nobody out, starting at a season whose hourglass has about run out of sand, trailing 1-0 with perhaps the best-hitting pitcher in baseball due up in the seventh inning Friday night at New York's CitiField. ''Yeah, I thought about it,'' Piniella said. ''And I came to the conclusion that if I have to let pitchers hit, what the hell do I need pinch-hitters for? It's the truth. You hate to be harsh, but it's pure reality.'' And, as is often the case with the Cubs, reality bites. Pinch-hitter Mike Fontenot struck out. ..."

Zambrano needs a tuneup

Comment

August 31

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano's back injury might be behind him, but the Cubs diagnosed another problem after this second consecutive bad outing since coming off the disabled list. Zambrano gave up four runs and a season-high 11 hits in 3 1/3 innings in the Cubs' 4-1 loss to the New York Mets on Sunday at Wrigley Field. Three of the runs were earned, but the unearned run came after an errant pick-off throw by Zambrano in the third. The Cubs' believe Zambrano's latest problem is mechanical. ''[Pitching coach] Larry Rothschild says he's opening up his front shoulder and they're getting a good look at him,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''He'll have to work on it.'' In his first start back Tuesday, Zambrano ..."

Piniella predicts a better 'Z' today

Comment

August 30

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano had his worst outing of the season in his last start Tuesday, his first time on the mound in more than three weeks because of back problems. But manager Lou Piniella expects to see a different Zambrano today against the Mets, a team he has handled during his career with a 4-1 lifetime mark and a 3.67 ERA in seven starts. ''Carlos will be better,'' Piniella said. ''Remember when [Ryan] Dempster came back from his toe problem, his first game wasn't a good one. Carlos had only five innings of rehab in A-ball [before his start against Washington]. I expect him to be sharper and pitch a better ballgame.'' Zambrano gave up eight runs, struck out four and walked three in 4 1/3 ..."

Cubs' Carlos Zambrano bemoans intense scrutiny

Comment

August 28

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano is not going to let Milton Bradley have all the fun. While defending himself for playing softball with his daughter during his recent rehab stint brought on by his back issues, Zambrano wondered if he would get the same kind of media scrutiny playing elsewhere. "I had a day off from [trainer] Mark O'Neal and I went to the park and started playing with my 9-year-old daughter," Zambrano said. "I was taking some ground balls at shortstop, part of my [workout] routine. "It was the first time I ever played it. But now I can't even do that -- not in this city. Maybe if I go to a different city next year. ... If I get traded, I can do what I want." Zambrano is not going anywhere. ..."

Lounging act wears thin

Comment

August 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"So Carlos Zambrano has come clean. He says he's lazy. The Cubs are fighting for their playoff lives, and Zambrano, who hasn't pitched since Aug. 1 because of back spasms, isn't expected back until Aug. 25. And now we come to learn that his long absence likely could've been avoided if he had done his abdominal exercises. But Zambrano couldn't be bothered. Because he doesn't like working on his abs. And because he's lazy. On what professional baseball planet is this considered acceptable? How can a $91.5 million pitcher, a supposed staff ace, be allowed to get away with this behavior? ''To be honest with me and the fans and everyone, I'm 28, I'm not 16 anymore,'' Zambrano said Sunday. ''I'm ..."

Lou praises Z's candor

Comment

August 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano said he was lazy, and Lou Piniella was glad to hear it. But the key for the Cubs' manager will be if the team's could-be, should-be Cy Young winner does something about it long term. ''It takes a little courage to do that, and also being truthful,'' Piniella said of the right-hander's admission Sunday after ending a nearly two-week media lockout. Zambrano admitted his ''lazy'' approach to between-starts work at times has contributed to injuries, including the back spasms that limited him to three innings Aug. 1 at Florida and forced him to the bench minutes before a start six days later at Colorado. Zambrano has been on the disabled list since and is due back Aug. 25 at ..."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella applauds Carlos Zambrano's honesty

Comment

August 18

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano's confession that his laziness led to his back problems was lauded by manager Lou Piniella. "It takes a little courage to do that, and also he's being truthful," Piniella said Monday. "We've tried to encourage him to work hard. He's got so much natural ability that at times he thinks he can get away with just his natural ability. But you've got to work. I was glad to see he fessed up to it, and hopefully he'll give us a strong finishing kick because we're going to need it." After his rehab outing Thursday for Class A Peoria, Zambrano will return to the Cubs on Aug. 25 against the Nationals at Wrigley Field. He should have eight starts left if he stays healthy, which would ..."

Laziness at core of problem

Comment

August 17

Chicago Sun-Times

"More abdominal exercises will be part of Carlos Zambrano's prescription for recurring back problems, but he admits being reluctant to do them in the past. ''I've been lazy. I don't like to do ab work,'' he said Sunday. ''But I have to do more. The doctors said I'm a big man and it's something big men have to do. Where something is weak, you have to do it.'' Zambrano threw a bullpen session of 45 pitches ''as if I was in a game'' without pain. He will throw on the side Tuesday at Wrigley Field before making a start for Class A Peoria on Thursday. Zambrano is expected to return Aug. 25 against the Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field. He hasn't pitched since Aug. 1, when he lasted three ..."

CUBS IN BRIEF: Zambrano expected to return vs. Dodgers

Comment

August 13

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano's recurrent issues with that bulging disk in recent years apparently is more problematic than the pitcher has let on -- so severe at times that he requires an annual epidural. ''I've been assured by doctors that there was no new damage,'' general manager Jim Hendry said. ''He gets that epidural every year at some point. I fully expect him to be healthy the rest of the way once he gets back out there.'' Zambrano, who had his latest epidural over the weekend, is expected to be ready to rejoin the rotation about the time he's eligible to return from the DL, possibly during the four-game weekend series in Los Angeles that starts next Thursday. He was scratched from his ..."

Prescription for 'Z': Cut back BP

Comment

August 9

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano's days of launching tape-measure home runs in batting practice might be over for at least the rest of the season. The Cubs put their Opening Day starter on the 15-day disabled list Saturday for what they believe is an aggravated bulging disc he has had in his lower back for the last several seasons. They also believe his exuberant approach to BP before his starts might have contributed to the back acting up and forcing him to leave his Aug. 1 start after three innings and then causing him to cut short his pregame warmups Friday. If that's the case, ''we can curtail that,'' manager Lou Piniella said of how much BP Zambrano is allowed to take before starts. The team is ..."

Big Z scratched, slated for MRI on back

Comment

August 8

MLB.com

"The Cubs' opener of a four-game series in Colorado suffered a blow before the first pitch was thrown when Carlos Zambrano was scratched from his scheduled start with lower back stiffness.Zambrano had appeared fine until 15 minutes before the game, when he left the field during his warmup and left-handed reliever Sean Marshall headed to the bullpen to prepare for a spot-start even as Zambrano's name was being announced in the ballpark as the starting pitcher."He went out there to warm up, and he says after he threw two or three pitches that his back tightened up and he started getting spasms," manager Lou Piniella said after the game. "He's going to be sent home tomorrow and given a MRI. I ..."

Tight back shelves Zambrano before game, then Marshall gets roughed up

Comment

August 8

Chicago Sun-Times

"Who are these Cubs? What are they? Before they could even start a stretch of games that figured to answer those questions, they got a painful pregame reminder Friday of what they aren't: Healthy. Lucky. Robust. Deep. And by the end of the night, one more thing: A first-place team. ''I tell you, this has been an experience,'' an exasperated Lou Piniella said after his Opening Day starter exited with back spasms after a few warmup tosses before a game the Cubs and a scrambling bullpen lost 6-2 to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Carlos Zambrano, who lasted three innings in his previous start because of the same tightness in his lower back, could face his second stint on the disabled list ..."

Rockies beat Cubs 6-2 as Zambrano scratched

Comment

August 8

Chicago Tribune

"Two of the strangest chapters in this never-ending saga of a Cubs season occurred Friday night. Carlos Zambrano walked off the field 15 minutes before his scheduled start against the Rockies with more back problems, and that overshadowed the last-gasp move of Milton Bradley into the No. 2 slot in the lineup. "I'll tell you, this has been an experience," exasperated manager Lou Piniella said about the season of injuries and inconsistencies. This latest experience included a predictable outcome, with emergency starter Sean Marshall losing 6-2 to the Rockies and dropping the Cubs one game behind the Cardinals in the National League Central. And it might not get better, with Zambrano scheduled ..."

Zambrano out of the bullpen?

Comment

August 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"The positive news the Cubs received Sunday on the two key players who left Saturday's game with minor injuries could pay quick dividends this week in Cincinnati, including the intriguing -- if remote -- possibility that Carlos Zambrano could pitch out of the bullpen for the first time in seven years. Even if Zambrano didn't exactly embrace the idea. Manager Lou Piniella raised that possibility for the second consecutive night after another rough finish for a bullpen that has been worked hard lately -- in large part because of Zambrano's early exit Saturday because of lower- back stiffness. ''He's got till Friday,'' Piniella said of Zambrano's anticipated fitness for his next scheduled ..."

Long, painful victory road

Comment

August 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"If their first game of August means anything, it's going to be a long month for the Cubs. It's already gone one inning and about an hour longer than it should have after Kevin Gregg blew a three-run lead against his former team after getting the first two outs of the ninth. ''I tell you what, it's hard for this team to win here,'' manager Lou Piniella said. They eventually did win Saturday night, 9-8, with Derrek Lee's 10th-inning homer off Leo Nunez providing the difference in a 4-hour, 11-minute game that included injury scares to ace pitcher Carlos Zambrano and top hitter Aramis Ramirez. It also included the Cubs getting shut out for six innings between a six-run outburst the first two ..."

Big Z survives and thrives

Comment

July 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"Whatever the Cubs accomplish this season, whatever their fall destination, they won't soon forget a 2009 season already filled with memorable, if not defining, moments. Some of them even came in what might otherwise have looked like a nondescript mid-July game against last-place Washington at Nationals Park on Friday night that eventually turned into a 3-1 victory for the Cubs. And Carlos Zambrano wasted no time producing the first one in a 40-pitch first inning that looked on the verge of unraveling for the volatile right-hander. ''They had Zambrano on the ropes there a little bit,'' manager Lou Piniella said. Not to mention the Cubs' best chance at a fast second-half start. On a night ..."

Carlos Zambrano pitches and hits Chicago Cubs to 3-1 victory

Comment

July 18

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano tempted fate once again when he returned from his trip to the Bahamas on Thursday with blond streaks in his hair. The last time Zambrano dyed his hair was in August 2007, after he had just earned National League Pitcher of the Month honors in July. He promptly went on a career-high five-game losing streak, posting an 8.29 earned-run average over his next six starts. But after a haircut and rinse job, Zambrano was back his old self by early September. When Zambrano threw 40 pitches in the first inning Friday night against the Nationals and forced home a run with a bases-loaded walk, it looked as though history was repeating itself. But Zambrano lasted five innings, ..."

Zambrano gets tricky, still can't nail down 'W'

Comment

July 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano, with four no-decisions in his last five starts, hasn't pitched a winner since June5. Run support has been a problem in some games; it was Zambrano, after all, who drove in the Cubs' only run Friday before Jake Fox's bases-loaded walk resulted in a 10-inning victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. ''I was thinking about asking where to buy a win -- if there's a store where I could buy one,'' Zambrano said afterward. ''But I pitched good, and I gave my team a chance to win.'' Without his usual fastball, Zambrano admitted taking a page from the Greg Maddux playbook of working around the plate. He also borrowed from a certain White Sox pitcher across town. ''I was throwing a lot ..."

Perfect time for Cubs to waive bye-bye to Carlos Zambrano

Comment

June 29

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"As Lou Piniella was saying on Friday, enough's enough. Get Carlos Zambrano out of here, even if the Cubs have to give him away. He's not the guy you want as the ace of a curse-busting team, and at this point, it's wishful thinking that he'll ever mature into that guy. Proving that I did not attend Kellogg, Wharton or even the Acme School of Business, I offer this proposition for Jim Hendry: First thing Monday morning, put Zambrano on waivers. If anyone claims him and the $62.75 million left on his contract, which runs through 2012, immediately trade him for whatever is being offered, from a bag of balls to a 32-year-old minor-leaguer. Because Hendry gave Zambrano a full no-trade clause in ..."

Cubs' Carlos Zambrano treats facing White Sox like 'a normal game'

Comment

June 15

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano, who gets the start Tuesday night when the Cubs play the White Sox at Wrigley Field, has avoided talking about the three-game series. But Sunday he finally said: "It's a normal game, a routine game. We have to win no matter whether we play the White Sox, Milwaukee or the Cardinals." Manager Lou Piniella said he would "look forward to [the series]," but seconded Zambrano. "We've got to win some baseball games, whether it's against the White Sox or anybody else." Has Piniella been keeping track of the South Siders? "When we're losing, I don't keep track of what anybody's doing," he said. Fan talk: Wrigley games with the Sox always seem to be the most intense, but it would be ..."

Carlos Zambrano retire in 5 years? No way

Comment

June 8

Chicago Tribune

columnist Rick Morrissey

"The chances of Carlos Zambrano retiring in five years are about the same as LeBron James moving to South Dakota and living off the grid. There is no way someone as competitive as Zambrano can walk away from baseball. Perhaps you've noticed how he reacts when he disagrees with an umpire. (Perhaps you've noticed a mushroom cloud.) Walk away from something that obviously means so much to him? Zambrano? No. Way. The Excitable One said last week he plans on retiring in five years to spend more time with his family. I don't want to say Zambrano is impetuous and given to wild mood swings, but when he spoke of retirement, he was still in the middle of a controversy for missing a team flight and ..."

Cubs teammates not taking Carlos Zambrano's retirement talk seriously

Comment

June 7

Chicago Tribune

"Few in the Cubs' clubhouse seem to take Carlos Zambrano's threat to retire seriously, though he insisted he's "gone" when his $91.5 million deal expires after his option year in 2013. "We've got to wait," Alfonso Soriano said. "A lot of people say they want to retire, and then when the last year comes, they sign for two more years. Mariano [ Rivera] in 2003 said he was going to retire, and he's played six more years. Roger Clemens, too. "A lot of people say it, and when the year comes, they say, 'I feel good. Maybe a couple more years.' " Manager Lou Piniella, however, said he believes Zambrano is telling the truth, at least for now. "I like it," Piniella said. "We'll see how he feels ..."

With rainout, Carlos Zambrano return pushed to Cubs-Reds opener

Comment

June 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"After a wait of more than two hours, Carlos Zambrano's anticipated return from his six-game suspension was finally rained out in Atlanta on Thursday night, and Big Z was already dressed and gone by the time the clubhouse reopened to media. He was presumed to be traveling on the team charter to Cincinnati Thursday night, although that was not confirmed by late that night. Either way, his return to the mound for the first time since last week's tirade and 350-foot pitch into left field was merely pushed back a day to tonight's 6:10 series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, the team directly ahead of the fourth-place Cubs in the National League Central standings. ''They've been playing ..."

Carlos Zambrano doesn't seem very contrite

Comment

June 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"A defiant Carlos Zambrano refused multiple requests to talk about the team charter he blew off Monday, and team officials declined public comment. But sources say it was a repeat offense that had manager Lou Piniella fuming once he realized Zambrano was a no-show again Monday. Zambrano, suspended for six games only a few days earlier for his tantrum against umpire Mark Carlson, was hauled into Piniella's office before Tuesday's game for a 10-minute ''discussion'' about the missed flight. Piniella's only public comment Wednesday was that ''it's been handled internally.'' Zambrano seemed more upset that his latest nose-thumbing of the rules and, by inference, teammates was revealed. ''I ..."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella handles discipline of Carlos Zambrano 'internally'

Comment

June 4

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella said the discipline of Carlos Zambrano for missing the team flight to Atlanta on Monday was handled "internally," declining to elaborate Piniella had a 20-minute meeting with Zambrano on Tuesday and stressed the "team" concept. Team sources said it was not the first time Zambrano had skipped the team charter without telling anyone from the club. Piniella will not make Zambrano apologize to the team for his transgression. Zambrano laughed off the Tribune report, saying Wednesday: "You want to go find a story? Go to Afghanistan." Bradley watch: An MRI on Milton Bradley's strained right calf was taken Wednesday, though the Cubs would not say if the strain was moderate or ..."

No excuse given for Carlos Zambrano missing flight

Comment

June 3

Chicago Tribune

"Five days after receiving a six-game suspension for "violent and inappropriate" conduct, Carlos Zambrano found himself in hot water again on Tuesday. But this time Zambrano is in trouble with Cubs management and his teammates rather than Major League Baseball because he blew off the team flight to Atlanta on Monday without permission. It was not known what his reason was for missing the departure. Zambrano arrived at the ballpark Tuesday afternoon and was summoned into manager Lou Piniella's office before the game for a meeting that lasted about five minutes. He wasn't in the clubhouse after the game as he is serving his six-game suspension Piniella didn't say what the meeting was about ..."

Larry King would like to get in the mind of Cubs' Carlos Zambrano

Comment

June 1

Chicago Tribune

"Larry King never has been at a loss for questions when he hosts his nationally syndicated television show. He has interviewed politicians, actors, musicians, businessmen, athletes and criminals on "Larry King Live," the longest-running interview program on CNN. As he stood in Wrigley Field for the first time this weekend to watch the Cubs play host to his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, King wondered aloud what it would be like to take on the combustible Carlos Zambrano, who has been suspended for six games and fined $3,000 for his recent outburst. "He's a study because he is a hell of a player," said King, who led the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning ..."

Blowup costs Cubs' Carlos Zambrano 6 games, $3,000

Comment

May 29

Chicago Sun-Times

"Laughter in the Cubs' clubhouse finally died down Thursday over Carlos Zambrano's latest snap. Reality hit the Cubs in the form of a six-game suspension that will cost them their $91.5 million ace for one start. Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson ruled within 24 hours after Zambrano melted down after a close call at home plate in the seventh inning Wednesday. Watson hit Zambrano with a six-game suspension and a $3,000 fine. Zambrano declined to appeal and began serving his suspension Thursday for the Cubs' game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. ''I did something wrong and any time you do something wrong or you break the law ... if you're driving and you run a red light or you ..."