Derrek Lee (right) walks away after a heated dugout exchange with Carlos Zambrano. (Chris Sweda/Tribune)
The Cubs suspended pitcher Carlos Zambrano indefinitely Friday following his outburst in the dugout after the first inning of the White Sox's 6-0 victory at U.S. Cellular Field.
"His conduct was not acceptable," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "It has become a bit of a tired act."
Hendry said Zambrano's suspension was indefinite pending an investigation by Major League Baseball and the players association. Hendry said he spoke briefly with Zambrano, who was sent home during the game by manager Lou Piniella, but didn't indicate whether the pitcher apologized for his actions.
"We had a very short conversation, there wasn't a lot of time for apologies," Hendry said.
The Cubs won't be allowed to replace Zambrano on the 25-man roster during the investigation, but Hendry said, "Certainly from my point of view and the organization, we'll play with 24 before we tolerate that kind of behavior."
"He was ranting and raving and was out of control," Piniella said. "We just couldn't tolerate that. We just told him to go back in (to the clubhouse). Even though our bullpen was really short because we played 13 innings yesterday, those guys sucked it up and did a great job.
"That's something that can't be tolerated. He came in after he got the third out and he started yelling and screaming. It was embarrassing. ... There's no excuse for this, none at all, no excuse whatsoever.
"I'm embarrassed, he should be embarrassed. He's going to have to apologize to his teammates, that's for darn sure. We've got our share of problems, we don't need those. I sent him home, yes."
According to a WMAQ-Channel 5 report, Zambrano launched into a profanity-laden tirade at local cameramen after they filmed him leaving the Sox parking lot. The station plans to air the incident on Friday evening's newscast.
"The Zambrano thing is something that doesn't work, and we're not going to tolerate it," Piniella said before Hendry announced the suspension. "The repercussions for this, you can talk to Jim Hendry about ... it's a serious matter.
"I'm going to talk to Jim about it, I already have," Piniella said. "Whatever decision comes down, believe me, I'll support it 100 percent.
"I know one thing: He's going to have to apologize to his teammates. That is for darn sure. That's the least ... there's no need for this, none at all. We've got our share of problems, we don't need those.
"I told him to go home, yes, before the game was over. We didn't want any problems in the clubhouse after the ballgame."
Lee declined comment about the incident, saying, "Right now, it's not an easy time. But you stick together, stay positive and fight through."
The incident was reminiscent of last season's Cubs-Sox series at the Cell, when outfieler Milton Bradley was sent home by Piniella during the opening game after a dugout tirade.
"Boy, every time we come here," said Piniella, managing a smile.
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Hope they dont ger rid of this guy, perfect player for the cubs, perfect player for CRYtown
Even Milton Bradley never showed up a teammate like "Z the Angry Clown" did yesterday. Send him back to where ever the hell he came from.
I'm sorry, but I can't believe it has taken this long for someone on the team to get angry. We saw Silva get a little angry when he played against the White Sox, and frankly I liked it. It is about time the players show some emotion. Maybe Big Z and Silva weren't the right people to show emotion, but I agree with Bob Brenly---the team has been a bunch of Dead@sses. ....
The people that should have been showing emotion (Pinnella, Lee, and others) haven't stepped up to the plate. Pinnella has been Mr. Zen all season. Is that working? No. We need emotion. Pinnella used to have it, but he lost it. Pinnella should be the one yelling, but he's not. I'm glad Z did it. Not the best situation, but if Pinnella can't do it, and the team leaders won't do it. Someone needs to. ....
I am ticked at Pinnella....Taking Z out because he showed some freaken emotion after a bad inning....Even Len and Bob were happy to see some emotion...Calling the team a bunch of emotionless dead@sses for the past 2 months. ....
Then Pinnella takes Z out after 1 inning. Yes he let 4 runs score, but he is coming off his best start of the season, and we all know that Z normally has his worst innings right at the beginning of the game. He should have been left in for the 2nd inning and then if he still struggled have considered taking him out. ...
But he wasn't taken out for the bad 1st inning. He was taken out for showing emotion. True he shouldn't have lost it, but Pinnella should have, and he should have lost it a long time ago. Doesn't anyone remember that in the past when the team wasn't doing so hot, and then Pinnella lost it and bam, the team started to perform again? Now he is mr. cool and the team is just that -cool- They need to be hot. ...
Don't suspend Big Z. Suspend Pinnella. Not just for today, but for all around poor management of his team this season. ...
I wouldn't be surprised if Big Z asks to be traded to a team that can appreciate emotion--I'll renew my MLB subscription and watch their games. I'm sick of watching a team that looses day in and day out and just shrugs their shoulders and are waiting for next year to be better. ....
I'll still be a Cubs fan until the day I die, but I want to see a team that plays with emotion. Win or lose, show some emotion.
IS IT WRONG TO LIKE THE SOX BECAUSE THE PLAYERS ARE HOT!! I'M WAVING MY RAINBOW FLAG HIGH TODAY!
Craig: Gonna have to disagree with you on that one
You obviously didn't see that attempted punch thrown at Chris Young of the Padres.
Did anybody REALLY have high hopes for this season anyway?
I have been a Cubs fans a LONG TIME but I did not expect much this year .81 wins
The Cubs of the past decade will be of missed opportunity.
2008 was their best chance........
Life goes on ...for some of you...
Hey Ogyu, why don't you find your way back to Japanimation and do what you do best and Pok-ee-man! Obviously you're a Turkey to get all your feathers ruffled by these comments...but I understand...you're a Chubs fan, nothing more to say but enjoy your season!
I don't understand what the big deal is. So he went a little nuts. The team is playing like crap. It was probably needed. As Bob Brenly said, it's good to see someone show some life on what has been a dead ass team for most of the season.
I wonder if anybody could understand Big Z's tirade? He's such a Godfather.
I'll bet the Cubs will not trade him because under their new kind and gentle marshmallow ownership, they will reluctantly fine him, and sadly have to reluctantly suspend him for, I'd say, 1 game.
I say that only because Carlos has gotten many free passes from the kind and generous management, and because Hendry and Lou are still getting paychecks.
Obviously, the weak ownership cannot find it in their hearts to be so mean as to make any changes. It's so scarey.
LOL on his having dinner with Ozzie Guillen tonight.
Derrek Lee is a first class, professional ballplayer and a Gold-Glover. While he is struggling at the plate this year, his defense has saved dozens of errors. Zambrano crossed the line by even suggesting that Lee could have fielded Pierre's ground ball. I hope management follows through and finds a way to release this imbecile.
Derrek Lee is a first class, professional ballplayer and a Gold-Glover. While he is struggling at the plate this year, his defense has saved dozens of errors. Zambrano crossed the line by even suggesting that Lee could have fielded Pierre's ground ball. I hope management follows through and finds a way to release this imbecile.
More good news for the Cardinals
Michael Barrett deserves an apology from the Cub fans who ran him out of town after his fight with Z.
"L Struthers on June 25, 2010 8:49 PM
D-Lee would have thrown a haymaker that missed by a country mile and then Big Z would have dropped his goofy a$$."
Gonna have to disagree with you on that one.
Zambrano is acting just like the fans of the Cubs feel. This team is horrible, including himself. Come on!! They haven't won in over 100 years. Somebody has to snap. These players are just going through the phases and Zambrano got tired. I'm tired!! How many times have you watched a game and said to yourself WTF, after the play?
I like what Zambrano did. Too bad, he doesn't lead by example. But, who the heck likes this Cubs team anyway? Come on, something needs to be done. Blow this team up already.
Lou is 3/4 retired. Hendry has to go down in history as the man blowing the biggest salary purse on a bunch of losers year after year, after year.
Thanks Jim Hendry for absolutely destroying this organization. Sir, you are a terrible judge of character and the Cubs are and will always be the laughing stock of MLB. How Mr. Ricketts has not fired your butt is truly beyond belief! Hendry needs to resign his job immediately because he has harmed this organization mortally. The general manager is ultimately the person who needs to go and you sir are the biggest culprit in what has become the most embarrassing sports team in all of professional sports. Jim Hendry, please resign, please, please, please get the heck out of Chicago! It might take another century for this organization to recover, but none of us will be around anyway to see it. Gosh, I truly hate this team, what a bunch of losers, overpaid athletes that only care about themselves and $$$$$. Enjoy your legacy guys because you have disgraced the city and Cub fanbase. Thanks for nothing you bums!
As somebody great exclaimed in the New Testament of the Bible: "it is finished."
far to many athletes talented enough to turn pro have been the best since pre high school they are pampered by society in general. people stand in line for hours just to get an autograph. they get anything the want thru life and when things don't go theit way they throw a tantrum. When we as fans pay the highest ticket prices in baseball buy an $8 can of beer at wrigly we all contribute to one degree or another. some players have the mental makeup to handle this extremely well some don't.
ALL this could have been AVOIDED-
If D-LEE would have "DIVED" for the ball hit by Juan Pierre.
BWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHH!!!
A Comatose 1st Basemen, a Comatose Manager, a Clueless G.M., An Underachieving 3rd basemen, and a mope for a starting pitcher. This team is rife with natural leaders.
(extreme sarcasm)
What a spoiled brat! It is about time management paid attention to this behavior and throw him off the team and escort him out of this country with a one-way plane ticket. He can take his temper tantrums back home and see how the poor people react to the brat.
Does the name Sosa ring a bell? And crabby Carlos Silva who decided to question Lou over his last outing had best watch out. What is this? A disease that they bring with them when they come to the Cubs. A certain catcher was not too smart either, but he left town! All have about as much intelligence as a pile of wet gym socks. None of them deserve the uniform.
I have been a Cubs fan for over 50 years and never have I seen such behavior. Of course, Ozzie can have him; maybe this was well planned, eh?
No excuse for this behavior. He is a child at best. The announcer Steve Stone talks big from the booth about sucker punches but I'd love to see him or the "he's gone" announcer dude duke it out with Zanbrano. No contest there.
Big Z & family had a calm dinner tonight with Ozzie's family & Andruw Jones family. Ozzie was quoted earlier as saying that Carlos had plenty of time to make the reservations for tonight's dinner. (LOL).
they better not get rid of him, perfect player for the cubs. perfect player for CRYtown hahahahhahahahaha
Being disrespectful to your teammates should not be confused with creating "fire." It's a tremendous embarrassment for the Cubs organization. They should've gotten rid of that lunatic after a similar outburst with Michael Barrett. Go Sox!
Bradenton Florida White Sox Fan on June 25, 2010 9:27 PM
"The Cubs management let this out of control maniac get into his car and drive home ?"
I'll bet someone threw him in the trunk and drove him home.
"According to a WMAQ-Channel 5 report, Zambrano launched into a profanity-laden tirade at local cameramen after they filmed him leaving the Sox parking lot. The station plans to air the incident on Friday evening's newscast."
/
Must be fun having a bunch of media jackals following you through the parking lot.
The Cubs management let this out of control maniac get into his car and drive home ? That is about as irresponsible as giving a drunk his car keys and letting him drive. Ever heard of road rage ? Someone whose behavior is already out of control has no business getting behind the wheel. Ozzie Guillen says he could manage Zambrano. PLEASE NO !!! The White Sox already have 5 good starting pitchers and a good bullpen. They are starting to play well. They don't need a trouble maker like Zambrano on the team to disrupt the team. Zambrano needs to go to a shrink and get his head together.
Lazy Z needs to be sent packing, regardless of the cost!
This is why the Blackhawks are trading players - not that any of them are in Zambrano's league in terms of temperament. Keep moving out the players that deserve larger contracts, and replace them with youth who are motivated to grow and prove themselves. Granted, there is a salary cap in hockey, not in baseball. But essentially there is, each team has their own cap. Move these idiots out - Lee, Soriano, and Rameriz....trade for prospects, then develope them. Not the Cubs - they draft someone they can sign for less!! What morons these guys are! (GM) I haven't watched more than 9 innings this year. All of you on this board, put some action behind your words - quit watching!!
You call that showing fire? Give me a break, that was a total meltdown, just like Z always does when he pitches at the Cell! Just like last year when he got ticked and started throwing at guys. His velocity is down and he has so little movement any more he has to nibble his way through 100 pitches to get through six innings. It's frustrating to watch because if the guy had taken his career seriously in any way, shape or form he once had the ability to be one of the best pitchers in the league. But he will never do that if he doesn't get his head together. He should never pitch against the Sox, especially at the Cell. Why he gets so jacked up over these games I have no idea.
Let's see the cubs decided to....
Take our best pitcher and make him a reliver....check.
Keep a manager who throws his hands up and makes excuses every bad loss....check.
Start our own ticket broker and rip off our fan base....check.
Trick millions of people into believing in a horrible team that has no history of winning ...check.
I'm a proud Sox fan and am glad my team has brought a championship to our city. I hope you get your championship some day, but I would not hold my breath with these jokers. I'll never understand the appeal of the Cubs, especially after the premier ticket scandal.
Oh come on, that wasn't passion for winning the game! Z blamed his own teammate for his (Z's) LOUSY PITCHING.
Attacking a teammate, blaming...not a show of life, that's NOT passion for the game, that was a 5 year old having a girly-girl tantrum.
There was very little interest in this Crosstown Classic. They had tons of extra tickets for today's game and Taste of Chicago started.
So Big Z took it upon himself to bring a little media action into this zero-interest basebrawl game.
The whole team sucks. Starting from Mr. Rickett all the way to the batboy. Suspend the whole team. Better yet! forfeit the season. Just keep Zambrano he is the only one showing some fire!
Zambrano is right where he belongs.
A complete loser playing for the ultimate loser team with baseball on the back burner once again.
Derrek Lee deserves better.
The Cubs should suspend the other 24 players, not the only 1 that shows some fire and cares about winning!
WOW..Suspend a guy for trying to put fire under a team that has no emotion or manager...
SUSPEND the manager and GM !!!
This team sucks...both manager and gm should be fired.
kudos for big z for trying to lite a fire in this team !!!
Yes my fellow Cub fans and brothers it's easy to make Carlos the attention and reason for all our recent failures.Although I wish he was gone long ago.His high maintenance personality and underachieving is deserved for a trade.His antics today were classless.
Does he ever go off on anyone when he is not pitching?Of course not.It doesn't affect his career or his personal bizarre ego.Incredibly immature always blaming someone else for his failures.
But Cubs management rolled some serious big dice on this nutball, a Baby Huey clone,mentally,and they lost and deserved so.
I have lost faith in Piniella,And so have the players.But I still have faith in Hendry's evalaution of talent and trade ability,but just let someone else negotiate the contracts.
I love Alan Trammel over Sandberg as the next manager but fat chance.Trade the so called big name Cubs and with a fine minor league system to blossum soon look out!The pitching is already there.Life is short,I've been a Cub fan for 42 years.Come on and get me just one championship before I meet St.Peter. Keep the faith Cub fans.
Thankfully the World Cup is on this summer so I can watch a real sport. Will our pathetic "national pastime" please just finally wither away and die so we don't have to be subjected to these soft overpaid crybabies? It's a relic of a bygone era that appeals to a few old men and no one under the age of 30.
Zambrano needs to stop saying he is a Christian, a member of a north side Hispanic charasmatic "Pentecostal" church and just act like a civilized human being.
OMG. Does Ricketts know about this yet?
D-Lee would have thrown a haymaker that missed by a country mile and then Big Z would have dropped his goofy a$$.
Can't wait for the "great apology."
A few seasons ago Zambrano was in hot water for something he did and his "great apology" was nothing short of a Presidential State of the Union Speech from the Oval Office/Academy Award Winner. Cubs brass cleaned up Zambrano, got him a haircut, blah blah blah.
Can anybody remember what incident that was from? There are so many past incidents, I've gone Lou-brain.
I must keep better track of this Zambrano guy.
From now on I'm calling him Milton Zambrano.
What a loser.
Or as one of our less-educated brethen called him ...
looser. That's Freudian, 'cause he's looser than ol' Uncle Miltie was.
Whether Z's actions were right or wrong, good or bad, this Cubs team is brutal on all fronts. D-Lee should have been dealt a long time ago and now he's worth no more than a dime. Xavier Nady? Xavier Nady? This guy can't throw a goddamn baseball. Theriot and Fontenot have the range of a snail. No one can hit---NO ONE!
Fat man Hendry should have been axed 2 years ago---he created this mess with his bullsh*t contracts and free agent signings. Let's see, a manager who's known for his outbursts and tantrums saying his pitcher's actions are inexcuseable? Lou has no clue what to do. There's no leadership on this team. "Well, we gotta just keep fighting and start winning ballgames." They're running out of ballgames. By the time October comes around they'll be 20 games back. Where's the sense of urgency? Looking forward to 2011---or are we?
Just blame Big Z right? What about Lee and Ramirez? They both are not even producing with the bats and they both are getting paid a lot. Why not just suspend Lee, Ramirez, Theriot, Soto, Wells, Dumpster, Fontenot, Nady and Baker indefinitely? Fire Hendry and Piniella already please!!!
LOL on June 25, 2010 8:11 PM
"According to a WMAQ-Channel 5 report, Zambrano launched into a profanity-laden tirade at local cameramen....."
..............
Ya wanna bet Ch. 5 will make themselves out to be
the victims?
They should put Carlos on waivers, like Toronto did last year with Alex Rios and hope some other team takes him. Derrek Lee is a class act and an excellent defensive first basemen and has saved us many times. Like Brenly said, the Cubs are a 'dead ass team.' We need to make major changes and dump some of these contracts
Easy fix...FIRE THE MANAGER, or in this case, THE NON-MANAGER! In a way, Fat Z was trying to fire up these bunch of self-pity loosers...a job that should be the MANAGER'S, or in this case, the NON-MANAGER.
ESPN WRITES
By Rob Neyer
Brilliant:
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been suspended indefinitely after a dugout tirade Friday, according to Cubs general manager Jim Hendry.
Zambrano had to be separated from teammate Derrek Lee in the visitor's dugout after surrendering four runs to the Chicago White Sox in the bottom of the first inning at U.S. Cellular Field.
It was unclear what upset Zambrano, but his frustration was directed at Lee. The two were face to face before manager Lou Piniella and others intervened. Zambrano also walked up and down the dugout shouting and knocked over a Gatorade cooler before Piniella told him to go home.
"His conduct wasn't acceptable," Hendry said. "His actions toward his teammates and staff were not acceptable.
"He will not be at the ballpark tomorrow. We'll play with 24. We'll play with 24 before we tolerate that kind of behavior."
--snip--
Piniella said it's the first time he had to send a player home before a game ended since sending Milton Bradley home from a game last season. That game also happened to be against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field.
"Boy, every time we come here," Piniella joked.
It's the first time since last season? No kidding?
It's good that Piniella can joke about it. It's good that Piniella can joke about the second time in two years that a high-visibility, well-paid player had to be sent home in the middle of a season. It's good that Piniella can joke about something that almost never happens in other organizations (let alone solid organizations). It's good that Piniella can joke about Zambrano's second dugout fight in three years (granted, the first had better video.
I don't know. Seems to me that while Zambrano's obviously got some anger issues, the Cubs also have some management issues. Their general manager keeps committing gobs of money to players who can't control their tempers, and their manager just throws up his hands and makes jokes.
None of it matters much, this season. But I'll bet next spring we see an "Under New Management" sign.
http://espn.go.com/blog/sweetspot/post/_/id/4115/zambranos-tantrum-s-o-p-in-chicago
Cubs suspend Zambrano indefinitely after incident
By Sports Network
The Sports Network
The Chicago Cubs indefinitely suspended starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano for his actions during Friday's game against the White Sox.
After allowing four runs in the first inning of an eventual 6-0 loss, Zambrano (3-6) was visibly upset and got in a heated exchange with teammate Derrek Lee in the Cubs' dugout. The outburst ended with an overturned cooler and spelled the end of Zambrano's outing, as Tom Gorzelanny was on the mound at the start of the second.
After the game, the Cubs announced the suspension for the fiery right-hander, who was making his fifth start since being reinserted into the starting rotation.
For the season, Zambrano has pitched to a 5.66 earned-run average in 22 games -- nine starts.
The 29-year-old was also suspended six games last season by Major League Baseball after an in-game incident saw him initiate contact with an umpire, launch a baseball into left field and take a bat to a Gatorade bucket.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/25/1701453/cubs-suspend-zambrano-indefinitely.html#ixzz0ruzoCzEi
The Cubs and Chicago fans always defend this punk. But that's what he is...a punk. The excuse time and time again is that he is simply "very passionate about the game." Well guess what....99% of the players in MLB are passionate about the game or they wouldn't be there...the complacent get weeded out pretty quickly in the minors. So no excuses this time...quality pitcher or not...bench for a while. He's completely overpaid as it is.
Today's loss is all Carlos' fault. Had he pitched 10 scoreless innings we might have won. Or had he not upset the Cubs hitters (Derrick and the Falling or Failing Dominoes)we might have scored!
Rickett's is not down to $10 bleachers for the next home stand!!!!!!!!!!! Check out the Santo special!!!!!
I think if Carlos would just apologize to Derrick and Lou and promises never to lose control again, that he should not be disciplined but allowed to take his leading role in motivating the rest of the team to try harder.
I'm with BB about the passion, "dead ass team", but Z was wrong about blaming his teammates for his bad pitching. agree he has to go, agree he may be done.
3 potential HOF pitchers? Who? everyone is potential HOF.
NTC, Z go together.
Z for Bradley?
we don't want lou back.
Jim Piniella is Lou Hendry's brother.
dead ass team is a knock on Lou by BB. part of Lou's job is to get the team ready to play everyday. put the best 9 out there most of the time. he hasn't done any of this. he tries to please everyone by platooning which is a sign of weakness.
last year they blamed bradley for the bad chemistry, is Z this year goat?
Punish Z. Put him back in the bullpen.
"According to a WMAQ-Channel 5 report, Zambrano launched into a profanity-laden tirade at local cameramen after they filmed him leaving the Sox parking lot. The station plans to air the incident on Friday evening's newscast."
I'm sure Ch. 5's blow dried ears were burning.
No more Ch. 5 interviews with Big Z as he holds court at his locker. I hope Ch. 5 doesn't bleep him out, after all, it is news.
Not supposed to bleep out news. It's against the law. Rly.
Z is merely a distraction. The story needs to be the failure of management Hendry and Kenney, and their predecessors.
In Sammy's last year he was the excuse. The Cubs used him until he had no value. They knew about the steriods but he became expendable so they threw with to the wolves on the last day of the season.
Last year it was Milton's fault, this year it Carlos'.
The headline needs to be "Year Two No More New Restrooms And No More Hendry and Kenney."
Lee, Ramirez, Theriot, Soriano, Fukudone need to go even for nothing. I'd rather see a 90-100 season or two with players with a future than this sorry crowd.
Hendry, call the Mets. They need pitching. Take Castillo's bad contract in return. Offer to pay half of Zambrano's contract.
Nah, Ozzie wouldn't want to manage an overpaid diva like Big Z. Ozzie sees everything in terms of $$$$$. Instead of Big Z being Ozzie's friend, Ozzie would just see him as the overpaid oaf that he really is.
Big Z can live a lavish lifestyle in Venezuela.
A couple weeks ago the Sox and Cubs were both struggling losers in the lower half of their respective divisions. Then the Sox started playing better baseball - more timely hitting (including non-homers), great fielding, and phenomenal pitching. Now the Sox are 2 games out of first. The Cubs? Just as pathetic as before.
Why did the Sox turn their season around and the Cubs not? Injuries are part of the picture. Pitching has been inconsistent but not universally awful on the North Side. The answer is the hitting. Everybody who hit well in April is cold now. And those who were cold then are still cold. And nobody on the team even cares.
Maybe change has to come from the top. These guys aren't playing hard for Lou.
I didnt see it live. I know Z's tirade was disrespect, and perhaps he is unsettling to the team, and he hasnt played that great, BUT, the team has zero intensity, its why they suck, or partly why.
I don't know what to make of this. Lee has been sleepwalking this whole season, he can't get a free pass for that. Z is out of control, but i don;t think he should be totally condemned for today.
Yes, it was embarrassing, but what about getting this team going, someway, somehow, something must be done. Yeah?
If I were Jim Hendry I would've suspended Big Z indefenitely after his fight with Michael Barrett. Carlos Zambrano's Cub career should've been finished on June 1, 2007 but they're all a buch of dumbcuffs so it figures. Trade Z for Kerry Wood.
Dear friends and fellow baseball fans:
Carlos Zambrano, his unfufilled talent, his laziness, his weight problem and ridiculous antics - all at the bargain price of his $90 million dollar contract - have opened my eyes to what is wrong with the game. It all started two months back in a game against the Brewers in which Big Z - a grossly overpaid set-up man at that point - once again couldn't get the job done and blew the lead. Mistakes happen, fine, but after letting off a litany of curses against this lowly team, I noticed Carlos' general appearance after facing a mere two batters: he looked horrible; bloated, overweight, and rumored to have hit the bars on Rush St. the night before. How could it be possible that Chicago schools have been forced to cut arts and athletics programs, while this guy walks away with $90 of our money? From the moment of that simple query, my tolerance for these laughable, loveable losers has hit rock-bottom, and I no longer find their pathetic ways to be either endearing or even interesting.
I am, alas, a lifelong Cub's fan, but I will no longer spend another dime of my money on tickets or merchandise, as this only feeds the root of the problem: The Chicago Cubs will continue to lose, will continue to be severely mismanaged, and will continue to pack Wrigley Field and broadcast across the land, because of the apathy of the fans. Well, for me it stops here.
As I see it, however, the problem goes beyond the Cubs and is endemic to Major League Baseball itself. It starts and ends with greed on behalf of players and owners, and apathy on behalf of the fans. Why, might I ask, is baseball recession-proof? Why do ticket prices rise faster than the rate of inflation? Because we, the fans, continue to mindlessly buy into these 'teams' consisting of 'athletes' who earn 'a fair market price'.
Now take a step back and just imagine what the revenue generated by major league teams could be used for. Let yourself dream. In Chicago, a mismanaged city facing severe cutbacks of essential services, the list is long: new schools, teacher salaries, art and atheletic programs for kids, local hospitals, businesses and community-oriented organizations, etc, etc, etc. In short, with a fan-based takeover, these teams could once again represent the localities in which they are based, as opposed to using them as fast and easy sources of revenue for overpaid owners and players.
Remember, friends, we are Major League Baseball's sole source of revenue, and as such we are not only able, but obligated, to make demands on our behalf. Do it for your team; do it for your community.
There once was a pitcher named Zee. Who got peed off by old D.Lee. Pulled aside by his dad who said behave now my lad and then patted him on his lil knee. This team is a blast! GO CUBS GO1
Zambrano is frusrated because he cares, he is hungry and he wants to win. Derrick Lee doesn't care or have the passion to win. I don't think that he even wants to be a Cubs player. I say if you don't have that passion than go play somewhere else.
Makes me even more proud to be a Rockies fan, it's all class and mutual respect with a bunch of great guys all around. You would never see this kind of douche-baggery in the Rockies clubhouse, never.
There is a point where the talent level doesn't matter anymore, if someone is as unstable as some of these morons out there. I wouldn't want that headcase on my team for free.
oedrutz on June 25, 2010 7:38 PM
"Zambrano has mental problems. Even when he is "under control" he does goofy things like pointing to the sky and strutting around."
Pointing to the sky and strutting around?
Oh that sounds really out of control to me.
Obviously you don't watch a whole lot of MLB, do you?
Good Lord, I'd hate to have to live with that guy. Hope he has a rubber room somewhere in his home. He must have been ROARING in that dugout. Wow!
Who the ___ cares about the Cubs any more? Really. Suspend the whole damn team. Zambrano is just the head of the boil today. The Cubs have drifted far from any legal or conceptual definition of a pro baseball team. Put a good AAA team in Wrigley field and you see the place packed every game with people who really loved to play and watch good baseball.
The Cubs? Let's hope the ricketts take them elsewhere. How about the Taos Cubs?
In response to Alpha,This is my 42nd year as a Cub fan,since 1969.So I respect your opinions my Cubs brother.And yes I agree with you 100% Lee is supposed to be the leader of this team and he has played and acted like he could care less.
I hope Zambrano's reaction today has a positive motivational affect on this team.But please remember the past.This man is unpredictable in his emotions,I think it has an unsettling mood on this team.Everyone seems like they are walking on egg shells.I agree Zambrano's outburst may turn into a positive thing,but by no means is he deserved of an apology from teammates.These things should be handled in the clubhouse outside the public eye and with respect to your fellow teammates. G.Eisenhart
Zambrano has demonstrated time and time again he has mental problems and the Cubs continued to put up with it. Even when he is "under control" he does goofy things like pointing to the sky and strutting around.
Today he was entirely responsible for the 4 runs given up, yet he goes looney tunes on his teammates. Who hung the 3 run homer with 2 strikes on the batter? Lee, Piniella, Hendry? No the nutcase did, yet it's his teammates fault? He might be on steroids or drugs, but it's more like "Moe, Larry the cheese!" Maybe if they tickle his feet like the Stooges did for Curly that's the solution.
Anyway, he's not a winner, never will be. He's never had the mental fortitude it takes to be a winner. He needs to take a long time off and get professional help and medication. The BS act of it's just Z being Z is long past; "James has a mental problem."
Why on earth people on this comment board are blaming everyone from Piniella to Lee to Hendry for this man's mental issues is beyond comprehension. Z is responsible for Z's behavior, but with the blame generation, I guess it's everyone else's fault.
Doubler13 on June 25, 2010 7:28 PM
Bob Brenly called Zambrano's tirade a good thing. Wow. Is he for real??
====
If you had to broadcast every single god-awful disgusting Cub game since April whatever, you would say the same thing he said.
I was GLAD TO HEAR IT!! That's was the only life those luvvable losers showed all year. Big Z fed up with being in the bullpen finally exploded.
Uh, back to the bullpen till you is traded.
Hendry shouldn't have sent Big Z home. They should have traded him to the Sox. Ozzie's willing to put up with him. Hahhahahaha we'll see how long that would last.
I really enjoyed Lou's quote: "Boy, every time we come here," said Piniella, managing a smile.
Someone remind Lou that he was not the Cubs manager when the AJ/Barrett mess happened. LOL.
Wow...scrolling through all these comments, I didn't see any SPAM/Advertising...does anybody want to buy a pair of really shitty overpriced imaginary shoes?
"Here's my recommendation:
D. Lee and Zambrano to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez. I know D.Lee has been a mainstay, but we need left-handed power"
WOW, and the Padres would do that WHY??? Just keep going to the ballpark my friend.... another Old Style please
They should have traded him when they had the chance. Look how well the Bradley/Silva trade has worked out. Ricketts can't be expected to turn the team around in a single year, but clearly this year is over and he needs to start preparing for next year. Now that he has his Toyota sign and his noodle art, he needs to start getting more involved in the operations of the team. Baseball is an owner-intensive business (like a restaurant), and not a more passive business like investing. To get a good ROI, you need to be involved.
Bob Brenly called Zambrano's tirade a good thing. Wow. Is he for real??
Man, I am embarassed to be a Cubs fan. I was hoping changes would come sooner rather than later under the Ricketts. I applaud Hendry's response to the irrevocably ignorant outburst by Zambrano, however, neither should even be with the Cubs this year. Why can't we get an owner who cares about developing a winning team, not some fan from the bleachers or a corporation that only cares about the bottomline. Hendry needs to go, Zambrano needs to go. Thank god they got rid of Bradley. Rothschild needs to go. Soriano needs to go. There is still a good core here, but some trades need to be made to bring in some young talent with MLB experience to take this team to the next level.
Here's my recommendation:
D. Lee and Zambrano to San Diego for Adrian Gonzalez. I know D.Lee has been a mainstay, but we need left-handed power!
Soriano and Soto to the Dodgers for Russell Martin. Martin could help out the rest of the staff with the mental side.
Colvin is coming around. I like Byrd in center and Kosuke is steady in right. and the infield is solid with some good utility players.
Come on Rickett's show you have some moxie and make some moves!
Carlos Zambrano, you are my hero. Even Bob Brenly agree with you. He called the Cubs a dead azz team! These guys walk around and play like zombies.
How many times has Lou Pinella blown up on the Feild. I am so tired of Lou being a hypocrite when it comes to Zambrano or even Bradley when they blow up.
I think Derrick Lee has been a great player for the Cubs, but he is playing with no passion. I am glad that Zambrano yelled at him. I am sure that there are a few million Cub fans that want to yell at Lou, Jim Hendry, Randy Wells, Ryan Theriot, Fuckadome, Grabow, and even Ricketts.
Zambrano, As a fan of the Chicago Cubs for over forty years,I approve of your actions!
The team needs to apologize to Zambrano and ever other Chicago Cubs fan that has washed this team play like crap this year.
I totally blame the Cubs powers that be for keeping this known nut ball around for this long.Talent potential and talent realized are two things.The Cubs have thrown away so much money at "big names" and have been scorched.
We do have some serious talent in our farm system.I believe Hendry and Piniella were told to win now at all costs before the Ricketts' came in.
But we have many trade worthy talents on this team to acquire even more good young talent and free up some salary money for some stop gap free agents.The pitching looks fine.Lou must go,let Trammel take the reins.
Ramirez must have some special problems we don't know about.I've never seen a talent decline like that.Imagine what we could get in trades for Lee,Ramirez,Theriot,Lilly,Fukudome,Soto, to augment a fine farm system ready to blossum on the major league level.We already have Colvin,Cashner,Castro here.What's another couple years after 102? Do it!
....and this suspension is without pay...we hope!
hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah.............HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...................
Okay...so with a bit more thought, I must add that yes...Zambrano DOES have passion for winning. And one can't blame him for being angry. However, when you consistently offend, berate and assault your teammates, those same teammates kind of find it difficult to go that extra mile for you. My guess is that the enitre Cubs roster - sans Big Z - is also fed up with losing, but they are also fed up with Carlos Zambrano. It's called professionalism, and when one earns just shy of $19 million dollars per year to pitch a baseball game - especially when there is such a high rate of unemployment in this country -the least one should have is a bit of professionalism. I mean, you're on TV for crying out loud. Children are watching you. But is that what sociopaths think about when they enter a state of rage?
what you mean? on June 25, 2010 6:47 PM
rich on June 25, 2010 6:43 PM
hendry has no home grown talent and he can't even buy a winning team. ricketts should've recognized this immediately so enjoy the tavern on the northside. they dont have my money. sucker cub fans.
............................................
Castro, Soto, Marmol, Colvin and Cashner. Home grown.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Point made. Maybe Soto. One guy out of 25...that would be 4% of team. Hendry and mgmt can't manage the lunch menu, let alone a baseball team.
The Cubs should rip up the contract of this highly overpaid hothead cry baby. Another reason why there should never be mult-year contracts in ANY sport. You get paid according to your abilities on a year-to-year basis and when you get a total jerk like this, the contract can be terminated at any time...just like if he had a real (non-union) job!
Hmmmmm... don't steroids make you overly aggressive?
This is why you cubs suck. You get rid of every playet that even begins to care about winning. The reason is because if you suddenly win you wont be America's sweetheart anymore. Boo hoo. Stop whining, Z should come to the winning side. Sox should take him.
A poem for Big Z:
www.sunwolfpress.com
Agree with Hawks61, Z showed some heart. Maybe not tactful, but at least he gives a damn about the train wreck that is the Cubs. Lee is like the former sad-sacker Mark Grace, he of the party all the time party all the time attitude.
rich on June 25, 2010 6:43 PM
hendry has no home grown talent and he can't even buy a winning team. ricketts should've recognized this immediately so enjoy the tavern on the northside. they dont have my money. sucker cub fans.
............................................
Castro, Soto, Marmol, Colvin and Cashner. Home grown.
Mr professor. You say it is Lou that he wouldn't behave like this under others. Well I do believe he did this under Baker also. The real problem is Rotheschild who handles the pitching staff. HE has proven with lee, Prior, and several other pitchers that he knows nothing about handling the mental part of the pitching staff.
hendry has no home grown talent and he can't even buy a winning team. ricketts should've recognized this immediately so enjoy the tavern on the northside. they dont have my money. sucker cub fans.
Another day, another embarrassing display by the joke baseball team on the North Side. How many millions did thet give Fat Z? LOL. No championship in a century, decades of losing, another horrible season, and another beatdown by the Sox. So sweet.
Like Sosa before him, Z has managed to lose the entire fan base. No easy task and no coming back from it.
KJ in LA on June 25, 2010 6:29 PM
So...when are the Cubs going to FIRE Zambrano...indefinately? Carlos Zambrano is emotionally immature, probably sociopathic, and is a liability to the North Side ballclub, and his best years are behind him. Time to unload him Cubbies... that is, if any other team is willing to endure his expense, and character flaws. The poor Cubs, did THEY ask for this?
.....................................
Did us Cubs fans asked for this team to suck arse? They should fire Hendry and Lou. At least Big Z has some fire left.
I don't condone what Big Z did, so he yelled at a TV crew as he was leaving the Cell. IT was clear that he was mad. Now the News said they are going to air the clip. Why? The only thing showing the clip does is make the player look bad. This is not news worthy it is only fueling the ill feelings a lot of the Chicago athletes have had for the media . Maybe the real problem with Chicago sports is all the negativity that likes to get spewed. I am one fan tired of all the negative attitude from the media. Try showing respect and maybe you will get it back.
Zambrano another nice contract c/o Hendry. Zambrano is total nut jobqz7s. Glad the chisox took care of business. Make it 12 in a row! D Lee is a class guy & can field his position better than most first basemen I've seen in my 7 decades as a fan..Zambrano I agree is a mental midget! Agreed with one take why didn't Z get mad at Ramirez ? His ball was allot more catch-able than the one past Lee.
What team would take him?
Fighting with teammates is just plain whizzing in the family swimming pool.
Again, here goes Big Z. Blaming a teammate for HIS (Big Z's) bad pitching.
About f'ing time, Jim. This, of course, doesn't make up for re-signing him in the first place.
You fans are idiots. It's about time a Cub player went off. Like Brenly said this has been a dead team. Lee is a class player alright. By class if you mean indifferent and doesn't have a care in the world. One of the things I haven't liked about this team is their indifference to the games.
I see one guy even though he had a bad performance called out other player that was dogging it. Whether you like Z or not. Some of these guys need to be called out. Good for Z! At least he shows that he gives a damn and is bothered by the losing. The other guys all they care about is getting paid!
Who's Jim Piniella? Hope Lou Hendry fires him.
At least someone in the damn Cubs team still has some fire left! I don't blame Big Z one bit. All the hitters are playing like they don't give a crap anymore. I would love to scream at the damn Cubs players. Every player should apologize to Big Z for saying what many Cubs fans are wanting to say.
Jim Piniella eh? I don't know what is more embarassing. The Cubs or the fact that the third largest city in the country doesn't have an editor working at it's largest newspaper.
So...when are the Cubs going to FIRE Zambrano...indefinately? Carlos Zambrano is emotionally immature, probably sociopathic, and is a liability to the North Side ballclub, and his best years are behind him. Time to unload him Cubbies... that is, if any other team is willing to endure his expense, and character flaws. The poor Cubs, did THEY ask for this?
Who's Jim Piniella?
This was the best article I have ever read by a Tribune sports writer. I can't stop laughing. The inning by inning breakdown is hysterical. Thanks. The Cubs need to clean house, including Piniella & Hendry.
Carlos Zambozo...LOL what a clown.
Mark Liptak
Jake Peavy must be grateful that he got traded to the right side of town.
How many chances does an individual get? Trade him NOW - I hope they suspend him nd send him back to the bullpen sp he will waive his no-trade contract. Why do the Cubs tolerate this type of behavior? I bet everyone would want to trade him and would be close to 100% if we had to personally sign our name on his check.
Really, Rev? The Blackhawks are dismantling their Stanley Cup winning team? Are you being serious, if so, please stay away from commenting on the Blackhawks stories. It's quite clear you don't know what the heck you're talking about.
NEWS FLASH----THE HEAD OF BASEBALL OPERATIONS-----TOP PRIORITY----There is talk, and rumors, and here say, strict allegations, the straight skinny, the word is that, this is hard to believe, (would think that you would read this in the "Enquierer") that get this................
Word is that, this is hard to believe....that......
In its midst ....."MAJOR LEAGE BASEBALL IS FINDING OUT THAT THERE IS AN IMPOSTER IN IT'S ORGANIZATIOON; THEY ARE INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS THAT
THE CHICAGO CUBS ARE IMPERSONATING A MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAM........ ye gods,this will be worse than the White Sox World Series scandal.......
Rami would be the first guy i would dump. soriano next. These guys have no leadership skills and are the biggest anti hustle kings of mlb. It rubs off on the other players. Cure the cancer now cancer now. Bite the bullet and eat the salaries.
It's about time someone exploded on this pathetic club. As a life-long Cubs fan, Carlos did what I'm sure many Cubs fans would like to do ... tell the 'starters' and 'leaders' of this club that they are just going thru the motions and not living up to the standard of majoe league baseball .... Bravo Carlos!!
you've all seen and experienced it first hand. in one classs the kids are wild, amok, disrespectful. they go to another class and behave beautifully. It's Lou, stupid. Zam. wouldn't behave this way for LaRussa or many other managers, but lou has no control and not respected, plain and simple. He is just a feeble minded man way past his managerial time . hell, he still doesn't know the name of his players! 2. lou has no game management skills. he sat and watched the Zam get angrier but never sent out Roth. to calm him before the explosion. this is unforgivpoint where no one would want them. weable. Lou is soooo gone.Hendry is the primary destructor of the entire organization. a terrible evaluator of talent who signs marginal players to long no trade contracts.he signs players who can't field and can't throw and keeeps fading players to long until they have no trade value. wear your cub nose pins to the next game.
The Cubs and the Bears are very similar. They go out and pay top dollar for players that already peaked in their careers, sign them to long term contracts, and when 6 months down the road the players are playing at below average levels, the coach gets fired.
Chemistry is what makes a winner. Look at the Hawks. The only chemistry the Cubs have had recently has come out of Sosa's steroid needles.
Clean house. Some of us have been calling for this for a couple of years.
Sorry
Fuku
Rami
Teero
Lee
Soto
Lilly
Dempster
Nady
Loco Z
Hendry
Lou
Hate to admit this but Z's gone.He's been my favorite cub, but wow no explanation for that and its hard to justify keeping him.
It's funny, isn't it? You have the Hawks, that just won the Stanley Cup, with a group that works well together, and this week they start dismantling the team for the salary cap; then you have the Cubs, a team that can't or WON'T work together, and there are no real changes made to improve the team dynamic. Maybe when John McDonough left the Cubs, he took their heart, drive and desire to win?
Well well well, the cubs faithful finally realized what the rest of the baseball world has been telling you all along. Zambrano is overrated, stupid and not good for baseball. Took you idiots long enough to realize it, but then again, you think every season is "the year". Funny how you Idiots liked his antics when he was winning games and now that he is showing his true loser cub colors to run him out of town, like the long list of others. Cub fans are the biggest losers on the planet, period.
This franchise, which has had 102 years of hitting rock bottoms, has found a new low.
Love the meatball fans.... duh trade zambrano... duh...
His contract, like several cub contracts that Hendry gave out, makes him untradable... The only way a team would be interested was if the cubs are willing to pay 80-90% of it the salary with a trade... which the Ricketts won't be doing. Hendry has done a terrible job, not sure how he has a job still.
Lou finally said something intelligent - he actually said that Zambrano was embarrassing and that is behavior was unacceptable. However, why was he allowed in the dugout after making as ass of himself? He should be suspended. There is no team in baseball that could have gotten to those balls hit in the first inning. The Mental Midget better be suspended and not let off with an apology. I guess the playoffs and the World Series talk must have made his brain explode.
It's been all downhill since we dumped 40% of the 97-game-winning '08 team. Good job, Hendry.
Bring back Wood, DeRosa, and Reed Johnson. We need a loose clubhouse with unselfish players, good chemistry and leadership. These three guys fit that profile perfectly, were key to the incredible 2008 season, and we let them all walk for nothing.
There's more to a winning team than stats on paper... which is all too often forgotten around here.
Na Na Na Naaaaaaaaa, Hey Hey GoodbyeBigZ
It's Carlos, not Carlo...second graf...
Brenly is absolutely correct!! This team is dead and flat!! Zambrano is one of the most inconsistent pitchers in the league. He is a headcase, the time has come to start shopping Zambrano. Problem is... will there be any takers? There are teams that can use a Nady, D Lee, Fukudome. If Ramirez doesnt start hitting get rid of him too!
Something has to be done.
This team has no life!!
Cubbie Blue.
What can you say about a "dead team walking?"
the cubs should through in the towell an end the season. this suposed team is done for it for 2010. end it now and send lou back to florida and tell him to shape up for the coming season.
Oh No! Not the Gatorade cooler again!
Maybe the problem isn't just Zambrano. Maybe the problem is that a bunch of players have given up, while others frustration levels are exploding, all leading to a team that is a debacle on and off the field. This team and organization is a circus. The only way that this team and organization does not become the laughing stock of MLB is to fire the entire coaching staff NOW and start over from scratch. Bring in someone that will hold players accountable and take some pride in the product on the field. Hendry should also be fired since he is the mastermind that put this coaching staff and team together!!
What more do they need to see with this guy?
He's a MORON!!!
His velocity is way down his pitches have no movement and his mental state went from a 12 year old to a 3 year old.
If they can't trade him bury him in the bullpen or the minor leagues. Send him home like they did to Bradley last year.
It's the first good move that Pinella made this year when he pulled him out of the game.
Great team you assembled Hendry!
Oh, just a side-bar - Soriano's salary was increased today to $19,000,000.00 - this was a bump-up in his contract. Boy, that made my day.
Well, look at it this way - if he played all 162 games in the season that's only $117,283.00 a game. Or you could look at it another way - that's $60,000.00 per strikeout.
No, Rich! What I noticed was that once Zambrano got his big contract extension and mega bucks salary, his attitude changed dramatically!!
Same thing with Soriano: Long Term Contract/Biggest Bucks to that date = no longer give a s__t!
Happens a lot in baseball!
rd
Hey, I have an idea...let's trade Zambrano for Milton Bradley!
ZAMBRANO NEEDS TO JOIN THE CIRCUS. HIS CLOWN ACT WOULD FIT RIGHT IN. HE HAS THE MATURITY OF A 2 YEAR OLD. GIVE HIM A RATTLE AND PACIFIER AND SEND HIS OVERPAID BUTT TO ROMPER ROOM. LEE SHOULD HAVE DECKED HIM.
Len and Bob said they were hooking up Alan Trammell to talk about what happened like 3 innings ago, then said there were technical problems...but he'd be on soon...but havent said anything since. Someone must have "pulled the plug" on the impromptu interview.
Has anyone else noticed this destructive behavior by Zambrano has been escalating since Lou got here? I mean, he had some nutty moments with Dusty, but nothing like these meltdowns: the fight with Barrett, losing it on the ump in 2008, today, destroying the dugout in Dodger Stadium in 2008 (just off the top of my head).
Everyone knows Lou has his "favorites" and those "in his doghouse" (see Barrett, Soto, Theriot, Fukudome, most of the rookies, Kendall towards the end of 2007) and most/all of these guys just never seem to succeed under him. Does anyone ever wonder if the BIGGEST casualty of the Lou Pinella-era is/will be/was Zambrano? Did Lou ride him so hard that he's cracked forcing the Cubs to dump him and watch him succeed elsewhere?
BTW: if his first words to Lee were something along the order of: "shut up, you can talk to me when you start hitting above your playing weight" then I may approve. LOL.
Trade Z already and get whatever you can get if anything at all... If won't waive no-trade then tell him he's going back to the bullpen for entire year... Everybody has seen enough of that garbage and it's beyond getting old... Should have gotten rid of him a long time ago and he can't control himself to be any good... Trade him or put him back in bullpen again..
$18,875,00 a year - would you pay that much for a Toxic Dump? The Cubs do - the Mental Midget, who today was joined by Bob "The Dunce" Brenly, who agreed with the outburst!?! There is a difference between being an emotional cheerleader and a psychopath.
Derrek Lee is a great first baseman and a gold glover. He saves countless errors. Granted he has struggled at the plate, but he is a class guy.
This another prime example of the Mental Pinhead not having control of his team. Lou Piniella allows this garbage to go on - so what does he do? He pats Zambrano on the leg after allowing him back in the dugout. Piniella should have sent him home. This organization is an embarrassment to the City of Chicago.
Zambrano.
Head case.
Appreciate the comments to those like me that don't have audio or tv access.
I can understand Z upset at Michael Barrett. But to blow up at D-Lee is no class and 1st class immature person. Zambrano is a cartoon character who thinks putting on a acting performance is what people pay him to see. Maybe some do, but the organization is paying him to pitch, and Zambrano is playing like pitching is his 2nd priority.
You can't trade the guy because of a no trade clause.
Jim Hendry is again backed into a corner with his contracts, first it was Bradley, now Zambrano and to a lesser extent Kosuke Fukodome.
If Pinella as long as he's been around can't control the guy, who can?
Mr Sullivan...even though i am a Cubs fan....that was funny.
the cubs should contact the players union and force zambrano to drop his no trade clause. then deal him immediately.
Unless he gets his head on straight and starts performing again, he could turn into another Milton Bradley-type.
I said they should have moved Z last year, his stock was higher then. Right now his stock is at an all-time low but I would still be there are a number of teams that believe they can rehabilitate him.
Big Question though: Why doesn't anyone look at Rothschild? I keep saying this and I never see it get serious discussion. The guy has presided over 3 potential hall of fame pitchers who all have been all-stars but burnt out WAY too soon.
Lilly is now scuffling, as is Wells. Both guys came to this team as good 3rd or 4th or even exceptional long relief options, began to excel when they came moving up a spot in the rotation only to see them now dropping fast. Again, look at the pitching coach.
The only guy pitching well for the Cubs right now is the only guy who has not been "coached" much by the Cubs staff, Silva.
The guy has NEVER handled a bullpen well.
Zambrano, your lil hissy fits got old 2 years ago. Just go away. You've robbed the Cubs of money - take it and run for the hills.
Three words: No Trade Clause
I'm on Brenly's side— WE ARE DEAD OUT THERE.
DLee and Rami have been exposed this season.
Dump/Trade:
DLee
Ramirez
Theriot
Fukudome
Nady
Fontenot
Zambrano
Lilly
Keep:
everyone else
Whether Lee could have reached Pierre's double or not, he did not give up the three run homer.
Carlos must go, and so must his coddling manager.
I know a major league pitcher who would make a great lap dog for Hugo Chavez.
Did I hear Bob Brenly correctly? Did he call the cubs a 'dead ass team' and welcomed the display showing signs of life in the dugout?
And yet, he will take home $16 MILLION for this performance.
Must jettison this toxic headcase and let it begin The Purge of this pathetic team.
Carlos Zambrano=Rex Grossman=Mental Midget.
I think we've seen the last of Zambrano. Everyone is sick of the act and I think Zambrano is sick of it as well.
Maybe they should put him at 1B.
No body is going to trade for this moron. Another Babe Ruth story!
When Zambrano punched his own catcher unprovoked, twice they got rid of the wrong player. Z would be in a coma if players punched him every time he had a bad game. I hope this is it for Carlos. I think he is truly a bad person.