Cubs fans show displeasure with Big Z

According to a highly unofficial Chicago Tribune poll, 57 percent of its readers would support releasing Carlos Zambrano.

Our View: Obviously, there is a near zero percent chance of this happening, but Cubs fans appear to be tiring quickly of the madness that has been surrounding the team lately. After manager Lou Piniella and Milton Bradley exchanged heated words on Friday, Zambrano failed to win for the sixth time in seven starts on Sunday, and appeared to plunk two White Sox on purpose. He will not be released, but he will continue to fall out of favor with the fans if he keeps not winning games or throwing tantrums.

Cubs fans show displeasure with Big Z

According to a highly unofficial Chicago Tribune poll, 57 percent of its readers would support releasing Carlos Zambrano.

Our View: Obviously, there is a near zero percent chance of this happening, but Cubs fans appear to be tiring quickly of the madness that has been surrounding the team lately. After manager Lou Piniella and Milton Bradley exchanged heated words on Friday, Zambrano failed to win for the sixth time in seven starts on Sunday, and appeared to plunk two White Sox on purpose. He will not be released, but he will continue to fall out of favor with the fans if keeps not winning games or throwing tantrums.

Cubs | Zambrano caught in a temper flare-up

The Associated Press reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano drilled Chicago White Sox OF Dewayne Wise with a pitch Sunday, June 28, and the home plate umpire separated the two batters. Chicago Cubs IF Ryan Freel was drilled the inning and warnings were issued.

Zambrano allowed five runs, four earned, on nine hits in 5.1

Zambrano allowed five runs, four earned, on nine hits in 5.1 innings Sunday. He walked two and struck out three. [...]

Big Z hit hard by Sox

Carlos Zambrano was hit with his third loss of the season on Sunday as his Cubs were shut out by the White Sox 6-0. Zambrano went 5.1 innings and allowed five runs (four earned) on nine hits while walking two and striking out three.

Our View: Big Z didn't get any run support today, but it didn't really matter because he wasn't very good. Zambrano is far from the dominant pitcher we have come to expect, but he is still decent and should be used in all leagues.

Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano (4-3) made it four straight outings

News: Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano (4-3) made it four straight outings without a win Sunday when he allowed five runs -- four of them earned -- on nine hits over 5 1/3 innings in a 6-0 loss to the White Sox. Zambrano struck out three and walked two. [...]

Analysis: Not Zambrano’s finest outing, as he served up his seventh homer of the year and surrendered more than three earned runs for the first time in his last 10 starts. While his 66/35 K/BB ratio could use some work, opposing hitters entered Sunday batting just .235 vs. the fiery righty. Owners should chalk up Sunday’s outing as a hiccup and throw Z with confidence next time he takes the ball on July 3 vs. a Brewers team he pitched well against earlier this season.

Andy LaRoche went 2-for-3 with a triple, one run scored and

Andy LaRoche went 2-for-3 with a triple, one run scored and one RBI on Sunday.

Analysis: Not Zambrano’s finest outing, as he served up his seventh homer of the year and surrendered more than three earned runs for the first time in his last 10 starts. While his 66/35 K/BB ratio could use some work, opposing hitters entered Sunday batting just .235 vs. the fiery righty. Owners should chalk up Sunday’s outing as a hiccup and throw Z with confidence next time he takes the ball on July 3 vs. a Brewers team he pitched well against earlier this season.

Joakim Soria struck out one batter in a flawless ninth to earn

Joakim Soria struck out one batter in a flawless ninth to earn his ninth save of the year on Sunday.

Analysis: Not Zambrano’s finest outing, as he served up his seventh homer of the year and surrendered more than three earned runs for the first time in his last 10 starts. While his 66/35 K/BB ratio could use some work, opposing hitters entered Sunday batting just .235 vs. the fiery righty. Owners should chalk up Sunday’s outing as a hiccup and throw Z with confidence next time he takes the ball on July 3 vs. a Brewers team he pitched well against earlier this season.

Mark Teahen doubled, scored a run and plated a runner in four

Mark Teahen doubled, scored a run and plated a runner in four trips to the plate on Sunday.

Analysis: Not Zambrano’s finest outing, as he served up his seventh homer of the year and surrendered more than three earned runs for the first time in his last 10 starts. While his 66/35 K/BB ratio could use some work, opposing hitters entered Sunday batting just .235 vs. the fiery righty. Owners should chalk up Sunday’s outing as a hiccup and throw Z with confidence next time he takes the ball on July 3 vs. a Brewers team he pitched well against earlier this season.

Joe Mauer went 2-for-5 with a run Sunday.

Joe Mauer went 2-for-5 with a run Sunday.

Analysis: Not Zambrano’s finest outing, as he served up his seventh homer of the year and surrendered more than three earned runs for the first time in his last 10 starts. While his 66/35 K/BB ratio could use some work, opposing hitters entered Sunday batting just .235 vs. the fiery righty. Owners should chalk up Sunday’s outing as a hiccup and throw Z with confidence next time he takes the ball on July 3 vs. a Brewers team he pitched well against earlier this season.

Danks, Linebrink blank Cubs, Getz steals home

John Danks pitched seven shutout innings, Chris Getz stole home against Carlos Zambrano and the Chicago White Sox got another run on a bases-loaded infield fly rule Sunday to beat the Cubs 6-0.

Zambrano pitched seven innings and gave up three runs on five

Zambrano pitched seven innings and gave up three runs on five hits and three walks while striking out four in Tuesday's loss to the Pirates. [...]

Zambrano takes ND as Cubs blow late lead

Carlos Zambrano pitched effectively on Tuesday, going seven innings and allowing three runs while striking out three, but took a no-decision as the Cubs blew a 4-3 lead in the ninth, losing 5-4 to Detroit.

Our View: Zambrano is no longer the overpowering pitcher he once was, he has yet to strike out more than seven batters in a game this season, but is still consistent and a top-flight fantasy option. He routinely goes seven innings or more, and has given up more than three earned runs in only one start so far in 2009.

Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano wasn't at his best on Tuesday against

News: Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano wasn't at his best on Tuesday against the Tigers but he wasn't bad, either. Zambrano gave up three runs on five hits over seven innings and settled on a no decision as the Tigers won the game in their final at bat. Big Z walked three and had four strikeouts. His ERA is at 3.48. [...]

Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs over seven innings, but suffered

Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs over seven innings, but suffered a no-decision thanks to his bullpen in a 5-4 loss to the Tigers on Tuesday night. Zambrano held the Tigers to just five hits, including a two-run homer to Brandon Inge. [...]

Ordonez may sit Tuesday?

Magglio Ordonez may sit out another game Tuesday against the Cubs, according to MLive.com.

Our View: Skipper Jim Leyland is thinking about returning Ordonez to the starting lineup Tuesday, but may continue to hold him out against Cubs' ace hurler Carlos Zambrano. Ordonez has not been hitting up to expectations, and Leyland sent him to the bench to get away and clear his head a bit. Stay tuned for updates regarding his status.

Ordonez may return Tuesday

Magglio Ordonez may draw back into the Tigers' lineup Tuesday when they start a series with the Cubs, according to MLB.com.

Our View: Ordonez has been benched to get away and clear his head. He spent the last several days taking batting practice with hitting coach Lloyd McClendon. Ordonez would have a tough assignment against Cubs' ace Carlos Zambrano if he returns to the starting lineup Tuesday.

Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs on six hits over

News: Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings Thursday in a no-decision against the White Sox. Zambrano, who walked three and struck out three, left the game down 3-1 and saw the Sox score twice more in the top of the eighth before his teammates bailed him out with four runs in the bottom of the inning. [...]

Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs over seven innings in a no-decision

Carlos Zambrano allowed three runs over seven innings in a no-decision against the White Sox on Thursday. Zambrano left with a deficit, but the Cubs lineup rallied for the win. [...]

Zambrano gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings against

Zambrano gave up three runs on six hits over seven innings against the White Sox on Thursday. [...]

Cubs | Zambrano has a good record against South Siders

Cubs.MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano is 5-2 with a 4.45 ERA in 11 games against the Chicago White Sox.

White Sox | Konerko feasts on Zambrano

MLB.com's Jesse Temple reports Chicago White Sox 1B Paul Konerko is hitting .333 with four homers and six RBIs in 18 at-bats against Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano since 2004.

Dempster taking regular turn

Despite the Cubs rainout on Tuesday, Ryan Dempster will make his scheduled start on Wednesday and not be pushed back to accommodate Carlos Zambrano's missed start.

Our View: Dempster is 4-3 with a 3.87 ERA in 2009.

Zambrano going on Thursday after rainout

After having his scheduled Tuesday start rained out, Carlos Zambrano will now pitch on Thursday.

Our View: He is taking Randy Wells' turn in the rotation.

Zambrano going on Thursday after rainout

After having his scheduled Tuesday start rained out, Carlos Zambrano will now pitch on Thursday.

Our View: He is taking Randy Wells' sport in the rotation.

Updating a previous report, Zambrano, who was scheduled to take

Updating a previous report, Zambrano, who was scheduled to take the ball Tuesday, will be pushed back to face the White Sox' Gavin Floyd on Thursday, according to the Gary Post Tribune. [...]

Tuesday night's game between the Chicago White Sox and Chicago

News: Tuesday night's game between the Chicago White Sox and Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field was postponed by rain. No makeup date was announced. The game was called about 10 minutes after the game was supposed to start at 7:05 p.m. (CDT) and was greeted by boos from the fans who were wearing rain gear. Carlos Zambrano was scheduled to pitch for the Cubs against John Danks of the White Sox. The Chicago Tribune reports Zambrano will now get an extra day of rest and start on Thursday against the White Sox. [...]

Tuesday's game where Zambrano was scheduled to square off against

Tuesday's game where Zambrano was scheduled to square off against the White Sox' John Danks has been rained out. [...]

With the Cubs carrying 13 pitchers right now, Zambrano could

With the Cubs carrying 13 pitchers right now, Zambrano could be used as a pinch-hitter in situations where the game calls for one early on, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. [...]

Carlos Zambrano is likely to see more pinch-hit at-bats due

Carlos Zambrano is likely to see more pinch-hit at-bats due to the demotion of Bobby Scales on Saturday. The Cubs now have just four extra position players on their roster. [...]

Carlos Zambrano is likely to see more pinch-hit at bats due

Carlos Zambrano is likely to see more pinch-hit at bats due to the demotion of Bobby Scales on Saturday. The Cubs now have just four extra position players on their roster. [...]

Zambrano throws eight excellent innings

Carlos Zambrano allowed only one run in eight innings of work, but he did not factor into the decision as the Cubs fell 2-1 on Wednesday. He struck out three while allowing only three hits and two walks.

Our View: Zambrano has been excellent in his three starts since losing his mind against the Padres. All three starts have come against NL Central teams. He has allowed only two earned runs in 21 innings during that span. If he could get a little more run support, we could be talking about one of the better pitchers in the NL over the past month.

Zambrano held the Astros to one run on three hits and two walks

Zambrano held the Astros to one run on three hits and two walks in eight innings Wednesday, but did not factor in the decision. [...]

Zambrano throws eight excellent innings

Carlos Zambrano allowed only one run in eight innings of work, but he did not factor into the decision as the Cubs fell 2-1 on Wednesday. He struck out three while allowing only three hits and two walks.

Our View: Zambrano has been excellent in his three starts since losing his mind against the Padres. All thre starts have come against NL Central teams. He has allowed only two earned runs in 21 innings during that span. If he could get a little more run support, we could be talking about one of the better pitchers in the NL over the past month.

Cubs | Zambrano dominant Wednesday

The Associated Press reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano gave up one run and three hits in eight innings to take a no-decision against the Houston Astros Wednesday, June 10.

Carlos Zambrano limited the Astros to one run and three hits

Carlos Zambrano limited the Astros to one run and three hits over eight innings in a no-decision Wednesday. It's the first time this season that he's gone eight innings. [...]

Zambrano certainly pitched well enough to merit a win in this

Zambrano certainly pitched well enough to merit a win in this one, but the Cubs offense could only muster one run in support of his cause. The volatile righty has been nasty since his latest episode, yielding five hits and one earned run over his last two starts, spanning 14 2/3 innings. Big Z will carry a solid 7.92 K/9 mark into his next outing, scheduled for June 16 vs. the crosstown White Sox.

The Cubs wasted a dominant start from Carlos Zambrano on Wednesday

News: The Cubs wasted a dominant start from Carlos Zambrano on Wednesday as they fell to the Astros. Zambrano gave up just one run on three hits over eight innings but was still saddled with a no decision. He walked two and struck out three. His ERA is 3.39 on the year. [...]

Piniella comments on Zambrano

Skipper Lou Piniella is not taking Carlos Zambrano's comments that he intends to retire at the end of his five-year deal with the Cubs seriously, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Piniella said, "Ask him in a week, and he will probably want an extension."

Our View: Piniella realizes that Zambrano is among the most eccentric players on the Cubs' roster. Zambrano is only 28 years old, and Piniella does not expect him to retire prematurely.

Cubs | Zambrano wants to retire when his contract expires

Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano said he is planning to retire after his current contract expires, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com. "After this contract, I'm done," he said. "I'm serious. I don't want to play. I want to help this team, I want to do everything possible to win with this team, but after five years or four years, or whatever I have left on my contract, I just don't want to play." Zambrano is signed through 2012, with a vesting option for 2013.

Zambrano plans to retire soon

According to MLB.com, Carlos Zambrano stated that he will retire once his current five-year, $91.5 million contract is up. He is in the second year of said contract.

Our View: Zambrano, only 28 years old and fresh off his 100th victory had this to say, "After this contract, I'm done. I'm serious. I don't want to play. I want to help this team, I want to do everything possible to win with this team, but after five years or four years, or whatever I have left on my contract, I just don't want to play. Do you know how many things I've lost in my life?" What a rough life it is earning millions of dollars to play a game that you supposedly love. We feel for you Big Z. We really do.

Carlos Zambrano was prepared to do everything he could to earn

News: Carlos Zambrano was prepared to do everything he could to earn his 100th career victory. Zambrano pitched into the seventh inning, hit a key home run and added a couple of heads-up defensive plays for good measure to lead the Cubs to a 2-1 win over the Reds on Friday night. "I felt good," said Zambrano, who didn't allow a hit until Adam Rosales lined a single to left with one out in the fifth inning. "Thank God we won the game. I'm happy about the 100th win. It makes me proud, but the most important thing is we won. After my last start, I felt bad about what happened." Zambrano gave up two hits and a season-high five walks in 6 2/3 innings. He struck out seven while reaching the milestone in his third try since beating Florida on May 3 for win No. 99. Since then, he spent 19 days on the disabled list with a left hamstring strain, lost at San Diego and was suspended six games for an altercation with plate umpire Mark Carlson on May 27 in Chicago. [...]

Carlos Zambrano said Friday that he expects to retire in five

Carlos Zambrano said Friday that he expects to retire in five years. The topic came up when a reporter mentioned Randy Johnson's 300th win. "‘For 300' Me? No, I'll be out of here in five years," said Zambrano. [...]

Zambrano allowed just two hits while tossing 6.2 scoreless innings

Zambrano allowed just two hits while tossing 6.2 scoreless innings Friday against the Reds, earning his fourth win of the season. He helped his own cause with a solo home run in the fifth inning. [...]

Cubs | Zambrano homers in 100th victory

The Associated Press reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano (4-2) homered on his way to earning his 100th career victory against the Cincinnati Reds Friday, June 5. He gave up two hits, struck out seven and had a season-high five walks in 6 2/3 innings.

Zambrano shuts down Reds

Carlos Zambrano was dominant in Friday's 2-1 win at Cincinnati, as he only allowed two hits over 6.2 scoreless innings. He issued five walks and fired seven strikeouts. He helped his own cause with a home run as well.

Our View: This was Zambrano's best outing of the season, despite the five free passes. It is not an easy feat to shut down the Reds at the Great American Ballpark.

Carlos Zambrano pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings Friday in his

Carlos Zambrano pitched 6 2/3 scoreless innings Friday in his first start since returning from the disabled list. Big Z's valiant performance helped the Cubs escape Cincinnati with a 2-1 victory. [...]

Zambrano shuts down Reds

Carlos Zambrano was dominant in Friday's 2-1 win at Cincinnati, as he only allowed two hits over 6.2 scoreless innings. He issued five walks and fired seven strikeouts.

Our View: This was Zambrano's best outing of the season, despite the five free passes. It is not an easy feat to shut down the Reds at the Great American Ballpark.

Cubs' Zambrano earns 100th win, 2-1 over Reds

Carlos Zambrano homered and pitched into the seventh inning to earn his 100th career victory as the Chicago Cubs beat the slumping Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Friday night.

Cubs | Zambrano nearly hit by tractor

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano was nearly hit by a tractor on the field while he was talking to a reporter Thursday, June 4. Someone pushed Zambrano out of the way just in time.

Cubs | Rainout changes pitching order

The Associated Press reports the Chicago Cubs pushed back their pitching rotation because of the rainout Thursday, June 4, against the Atlanta Braves. SP Carlos Zambrano will now start Friday, June 5, against the Cincinnati Reds and be followed by Ryan Dempster Saturday, June 6, and Randy Wells Sunday, June 7.

Zambrano's Thursday start was rained out, so he'll pitch Friday

Zambrano's Thursday start was rained out, so he'll pitch Friday in Cincinnati instead. [...]

Zambrano's Thursday start was rained out, so he'll pitch Friday

Zambrano's Thursday start was rained out, so he'll pitch Friday in Cincinnati instead. [...]

The game between the Braves and the Cubs in Atlanta on Thursday

News: The game between the Braves and the Cubs in Atlanta on Thursday was rained out and rescheduled for June 22. The rainout forced the Cubs to wait another day for the return of Carlos Zambrano from a six-game suspension. Zambrano was set to return Thursday night from the suspension for his tirade over a disputed call last week. Instead, the right-hander now is scheduled to start Friday in the series opener at Cincinnati. Zambrano will be followed by Ryan Dempster on Saturday and Randy Wells on Sunday. [...]

Chicago/Atlanta game postponed

Tonight's game between the Cubs and Braves at Turner Field has been postponed due to rain, according to the Sports Network.

Our View: A makeup date is yet to be set. Carlos Zambrano was going to make his return from a six-game suspension for Chicago. Jair Jurrjens was slated to start for Atlanta, and will now take the hill Friday against the Brewers.

Cubs activated RHP Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano finished serving

Cubs activated RHP Carlos Zambrano. Zambrano finished serving his six game suspension after bumping an umpire last week. He will start Thursday if the game isn't suspended due to inclement weather. [...]

Cubs | Zambrano disciplined internally

The Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano was disciplined internally, according to manager Lou Piniella.

Manager Lou Piniella said he would handle Carlos Zambrano's

Manager Lou Piniella said he would handle Carlos Zambrano's discipline "internally" after the pitcher missed a team charter Monday. Piniella has been lenient with Zambrano and his antics, so this shouldn't come as a surprise. [...]

The Chicago Cubs won't say if suspended pitcher Carlos Zambrano

News: The Chicago Cubs won't say if suspended pitcher Carlos Zambrano was disciplined for missing the team's charter flight to Atlanta. Zambrano made his own arrangements to get to Atlanta for a series that began Tuesday. He had to miss his scheduled start because he's serving a six-game suspension for his tirade over a disputed call last week. Manager Lou Piniella wouldn't talk about the missed flight before Wednesday's game, saying "it's been handled internally." Zambrano also declined comment. [...]

Zambrano misses Chicago's team flight

The Chicago Cubs won't say if suspended pitcher Carlos Zambrano was disciplined for missing the team's charter flight to Atlanta.

Big Z misses flight

According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Carlos Zambrano missed the team's scheduled charter flight on Monday without permission.

Our View: Big Z was hauled into Lou Piniella's office and reprimanded (we're guessing very loudly), but it doesn't look like the team will pursue any action against him. The reason he missed the flight remains unknown. Zambrano is currently serving a six-game suspension for an altercation with an umpire last wednesday.

Carlos Zambrano missed the Cubs' charter flight to Atlanta on

Carlos Zambrano missed the Cubs' charter flight to Atlanta on Monday. Zambrano was called into manager Lou Piniella's office once he arrived at Turner Field. [...]

Cubs | Zambrano may be disciplined for missing flight

ESPN.com reports Chicago Cubs SP Carlos Zambrano could face team discipline for missing the team flight to Atlanta Monday, June 1. Zambrano was summoned to manager Lou Piniella's office for a five-minute meeting, but the team didn't comment.

Five days after receiving a six-game suspension for "violent

Five days after receiving a six-game suspension for "violent and inappropriate" conduct, Zambrano is in trouble with Cubs management because he blew off the team flight to Atlanta on Monday without permission, the Chicago Tribune reports. It was not known what his reason was for missing the departure. [...]

Five days after receiving a six-game suspension for "violent

Five days after receiving a six-game suspension for "violent and inappropriate" conduct, Zambrano is in trouble with Cubs management because he blew off the team flight to Atlanta on Monday without permission, the Chicago Tribune reports. It was not known what his reason was for missing the departure. [...]