Carlos Zambrano News: Pro Sports Daily

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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

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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?

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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?

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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

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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

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September 15

Chicago Tribune

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"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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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'

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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

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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'

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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

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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

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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

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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 ..."

Wrist slap for Zambrano meltdown: 6-game suspension, $3,000 fine

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May 29

Chicago Tribune

"The Carlos Zambrano Apology has become an annual tradition in Wrigleyville. First comes the blowup, then the remorse and then things go back to normal until the next episode. But after being suspended for six games and fined $3,000 by Major League Baseball on Thursday for "inappropriate and violent actions on the field and in the dugout" during Wednesday's meltdown, Zambrano said he really means it. "When you do something wrong, you have to pay for it," he said. "I don't have a problem with that. I know I did something that disrespected MLB, and I apologize, like I did yesterday, and let's move on. I accept the suspension." Whether Zambrano will keep his emotions in check remains to be ..."

Carlos Zambrano erupts in Cubs' 5-2 win over Pirates

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May 28

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano's latest Big Z's Zany Moment was still a laughing matter for the Cubs on Wednesday, though their demeanor likely will change when Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson hands down a suspension that could cost the club its ace for one or more starts. For a team still trying to shake off the bitter taste of an eight-game losing streak, a smile came easily after a wild 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field gave the Cubs two consecutive wins. Manager Lou Piniella, who has had more than his share of umpire-inspired snaps, struggled to maintain a straight face as he met reporters after the game that was settled with a three-run eighth inning ..."

Carlos Zambrano erupts in Cubs' 5-2 win over Pirates

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May 28

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano's latest Big Z's Zany Moment was still a laughing matter for the Cubs on Wednesday, though their demeanor likely will change when Major League Baseball disciplinarian Bob Watson hands down a suspension that could cost the club its ace for one or more starts. For a team still trying to shake off the bitter taste of an eight-game losing streak, a smile came easily after a wild 5-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Wrigley Field gave the Cubs two consecutive wins. Manager Lou Piniella, who has had more than his share of umpire-inspired snaps, struggled to maintain a straight face as he met reporters after the game that was settled with a three-run eighth inning ..."

Carlos Zambrano erupts in Chicago Cubs' win over Pittsburgh Pirates

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May 28

Chicago Tribune

"Carlos Zambrano received the official Milton Bradley seal of approval after being ejected on Wednesday and throwing a temper tantrum for the ages in the Cubs' 5-2 victory over Pittsburgh. "That was pretty impressive," Bradley said. "It was on a Bradley level." That it was, and soon the Cubs will find out whether Zambrano's tantrum will be grounds for suspension. After arguing with plate umpire Mark Carlson after Nyjer Morgan stuck his left hand around Zambrano's tag to score the tying run in the seventh inning, Zambrano made contact with Carlson, putting his shoulder into the umpire. Zambrano could be suspended for as many as 10 games for his conduct, depending on the review of the ..."

Zambrano on schedule to start Friday

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May 20

MLB.com

"Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, who is on the 15-day disabled list with a left strained hamstring, passed all the tests in his Minor League rehab start and is on schedule to go Friday in San Diego. "He said he threw only fastballs and was just trying to build up a little arm strength and make sure his leg was fine," Chicago manager Lou Piniella said Tuesday. "He said he's ready to go." Zambrano, who injured his leg running to first on a bunt hit on May 3, gave up four runs on five hits and three walks over 3 2/3 innings in a rehab start Sunday for Class A Daytona. Before leaving for the game in Dunedin, Fla., Zambrano apologized in advance to fans, saying he wasn't going to run full tilt ..."

Zambrano ready to start Friday

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May 18

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano didn't have an ideal rehab outing Sunday, but the Cubs ace said he will be ready to make his scheduled start Friday in San Diego. Pitching for Class A Daytona, Zambrano worked 3 2/3 innings against Dunedin, giving up four runs on five hits, walking three and striking out one in 67 pitches. He said his strained left hamstring felt fine and he had no problems. ''I feel 100 percent,'' Zambrano said. ''I just had a little problem with my release point. But this week, before my next outing, we'll correct it.'' Manager Lou Piniella said he and pitching coach Larry Rothschild will talk to Zambrano this week in St. Louis to determine how he feels before making a final decision. ..."

No more hustling on bases for Carlos Zambrano

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May 15

Chicago Tribune

"For the first time in Cubs history, a player has apologized for not hustling before the incident even took place. Of course it's no surprise when the player in question is the one and only Carlos Zambrano. The starter, who prides himself on being a complete player, said he will ignore his baseball instincts and not run hard when he returns, which should be next Friday in San Diego. Zambrano is on the disabled list with a strained hamstring after legging out a bunt single May 3. "For a month, yeah. I'll be running like Geo Soto or Bengie Molina," he said, referring to the slow-footed catchers. "I'll be running nice and easy, just taking my time, not hustling. "I apologize to the Cubs fans ..."

Carlos Zambrano right on target to return from disabled list

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May 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"Carlos Zambrano, on the disabled list with a strained hamstring, threw a strong bullpen session Wednesday and remains on track for a weekend rehab start and return to the starting rotation a week from Friday in San Diego. ''It's encouraging,'' manager Lou Piniella said. ''The news was good. He's ready to pitch.'' Zambrano also jogged in the outfield Wednesday before throwing, and he'll do some fielding drills and light running on the bases today before heading to Florida for his rehab start with Class A Daytona. Silent treatment The Cubs and Milton Bradley still had no ruling -- and no explanation for the delay -- from Major League Baseball on Bradley's appeal of a two-game suspension for ..."

Cubs targeting May 22 for Carlos Zambrano's return

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May 13

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs plan to send injured pitcher Carlos Zambrano to Florida for a rehab start this weekend, and they've targeted a May 22 return to the rotation in the opener of a series at San Diego. Zambrano, who strained his left hamstring beating out a bunt single May 3, is eligible to return from the disabled list Tuesday. But by pushing back his return, during a week with a day off, the Cubs are able to avoid prolonged down time for the other starters. It also allows Piniella to have an extra reliever in the bullpen that week because Sean Marshall or Randy Wells will move from the rotation to the bullpen upon Zambrano's return. The Wells/Marshall spot falls on the day before the Cubs plan to ..."

Hamstrung out: Cubs put Carlos Zambrano on 15-day DL

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May 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs placed ace right-hander Carlos Zambrano on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring, a move the team expected after Zambrano had to leave Sunday's game after running out a bunt single in the fifth inning. The team plans to recall Class AAA right-hander Randy Wells, 26, to make Zambrano's scheduled start Friday in Milwaukee. Wells, a native of Downstate Belleville, is 3-0 with a 3.13 ERA and 19 strikeouts to six walks in 23 innings for Iowa. He won't join the team until Friday. General manager Jim Hendry said doctors estimated Zambrano will need two to 2½ weeks to recover. ''Obviously, he didn't want to go on the DL, which is a part of him we ..."

Cubs' Carlos Zambrano on DL with strained hamstring

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May 5

Chicago Tribune

"Though Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano was placed on the 15-day disabled list Monday with a strained left hamstring, he doesn't believe the injury will curtail his pinch-hitting appearances in the future. Zambrano suffered the injury beating out a bunt in the fifth inning of Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Marlins, and he'll be eligible to pitch -- or pinch-hit -- again on May 19 in St. Louis. "It's a Grade 2 tear in the belly of the muscle," manager Lou Piniella said. "It's going to be the full two weeks. Our medical team seems to think ... when he's eligible to come off the [disabled list], he'll be able to pitch that week, whether it's the beginning of that week or the end of that week. ..."

Cubs Place Zambrano On DL

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May 4

Chicago Tribune

"Convincing Carlos Zambrano to go on the 15-day disabled list with a left hamstring strain on Monday was no easy task. "Z wanted to throw a bullpen," manager Lou Piniella said with a laugh. But Zambrano's injury is no laughing matter to the Cubs, who've already endured nagging legs injuries to Milton Bradley, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee, in addition to Geovany Soto's sore shoulder. "It's a Grade 2 tear in the belly of the muscle," Piniella said. "It's going to be the full two weeks.. Our medical team seems to think... when he's eligible to come off the (disabled list) he'll be able to pitch that week, whether it's the beginning of that week or the end of that week. He'll miss a couple ..."

Cubs beat Marlins 6-4; Zambrano strains hamstring

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May 4

Chicago Tribune

"On a day when the Cubs honored two of baseball's most durable former pitchers, Ferguson Jenkins and Greg Maddux, they were prepared to place their highest-paid pitcher on the disabled list. Carlos Zambrano, who picked up the win in Sunday's 6-4 victory over the Marlins, spent Sunday evening with an MRI machine after straining his left hamstring as he beat out a bunt single. Even if the injury isn't considered serious, Zambrano most likely will be shut down. "I would think we're going to have to do something to get a starter in here," manager Lou Piniella said while defending his ace's aggressiveness on the basepaths. Zambrano's next scheduled start is Friday in Milwaukee, but that probably ..."

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano gets win but injures left leg on a bunt single in fifth

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May 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Success seems to be coming at a price for the Cubs. A month into the season, no one has been on the disabled list, but some key players have been nicked up enough to keep manager Lou Piniella from fielding his regular lineup since the opening week. The DL situation could change today if tests show that ace Carlos Zambrano must miss time after he strained his left hamstring Sunday in the Cubs' 6-4 victory over the Florida Marlins, their third win in a row. In what turned out to be the key inning in more ways than one, Zambrano led off the fifth by laying down a bunt toward third base and running hard for the hit. But after reaching first base, he started to favor his left leg. At first he ..."