Bye bye. As a Cubs fan I’ve had enough of this fools act. I understand he is emotional and a loose cannon, but the time for coddling and appeasing is over. I’d like Jim and Mike to do what they did to Carlos Silva. Eat the salary and wave bye bye. If they do that I would buy tickets to a few more games this season. I’ll gladly pay that loser to stay at home.
Here’s a pretty good article that encapsulates how I feel about MLBPA’s response.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 6:37 am:
Refuse to take him back and honor his oral resignation which he backed up by packing up his bags and walking out and through a bunch of text messages. If they lose the arbitration, refuse to take him back and force him to go to court. Tie him up in court until his contract expires at the end of next year. Keep him off the mound for a season and watch his future value plunge to any future team dumb enough to sign him. Or I should say dumber than the Cubs.
It would send a strong message to the other high priced underperforming “talent” on the Cubs. Behave yourselves. Earn your pay. Or else.
Then the Cubs need to go young and develop their new talent. No more head cases like Silva, Bradley, Zambrano, Sosa. No more lazy half hearted efforts from Rarmirez and Soriano. No more spending $10 million for a first baseman who hits 200! Find players who are smart, talented and motivated. Find management that will provide the team with such players.
- South of I-80 - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 6:54 am:
White Sox/Miami; maybe Ozzie can help him here in town or when they both head towards Miami. Either way, he’s out of the North Side!
You can’t quit by just telling your co-workers you’re quitting. The MLB Players Association will keep the north-siders on the hook for Big Z’s big bucks.
Trade him for Dunn. Then north siders and south siders can all finally get together, hate their own teams, and in harmony, cheer for the Brewers.
- Edge of the 14th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:52 am:
I gave up on Carlos Zambrano in 2004 when he yelled at Jim Edmonds as Edmonds rounded the bases, following a monster home run. Later in the game, Zambrano threw at Edmonds and was ejected. Later that evening, I saw a few Cardinals fans at a pizza place near Wrigley and had the urge to apologize on behalf of Cubs fans everywhere. I didn’t - they were wearing Cardinals jerseys, after all - but I still felt ashamed of Big Z.
All that said, I’d much rather talk about Carlos Zambrano this morning than Carlos Marmol.
Good riddance. By the way- is Jim Hendry the best butt kisser in professional sports? His poor choices in high priced free agents is only compounded by crazy long term contracts that he signs and overpays these stiffs. He should have been gone when the team was bought by the Ricketts family (or earlier) but he is still there, making boneheaded decisions. As long as Hendry stays they will continue to be the laughing stock of baseball…
And for the record, if you are a real Cubs fan and / or somebody who watches more than one baseball game a month, you’d know that the real problem we have isn’t a guy like Carlos Zambrano. It boils down to two words: Jim Hendry.
In response to this: Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:02 am:
(And for the record, if you are a real Cubs fan and / or somebody who watches more than one baseball game a month, you’d know that the real problem we have isn’t a guy like Carlos Zambrano. It boils down to two words: Jim Hendry.)
The problem with the Cubs actually boils down to these two words: The Cubs.
==The problem with the Cubs actually boils down to these two words: The Cubs.==
Which still comes back to Jim Hendry. Unloading overpriced, mentally challenged ballplayers is one thing. The Cubs will never be contenders as long as he’s in charge.
The Amy Winehouse of baseball, sort of. Undeniable talent and great results at a young age, but incredibly self-destructive. He never soared as high as she did (no pun intended), and he won’t hit her low either. But still.
And of course, as a Cardinal fan, I just think it’s funny.
Carlos Z is a crazy man,
he throws the ball hard
like only he can.
His brain is on vacation
and his mouth works overtime.
They hey day is over
The crazy man is past his prime.
I said it after his last major meltdown which was nothing short of toxic to a clubhouse that clearly had some potential in 2009, we should dump that overpaid fat headed lunatic.
Anyone who plays baseball for a living and gets paid as much money as he does should feel lucky to be alive every day. He’s an infant with a gift and he’s throwing it all away.
I don’t care if we get nothing for him. Cut him. Give him away - preferably to the Cards or someone else in the division. He’s like a cancer to any team’s morale.
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:59 am:
Any ideas on what to do with pre-2005 Zambrano kid’s jersey? My sons now have realized the error of their ways and are now Sox fans.
Good guy, has trouble controlling emotions. One of the best pitchers in Cubs history. Probably more interested in winning than most Cubs players in recent history.
Good family man. There have never been reports of him with other women (Michael Jordan) or enjoying the nightlife too much (half of Chicago sports). Adopted a child. Involved with charities. Generally doesn’t act like an ass towards young fans of the opposing team (unlike the saint on the Southside Mark Buerhle).
It’s probably time to move on though.
Wood summed it up best…
“You hate to see it happen like that to him,” Wood said. “Seriously, baseball-aside, Z’s a good person. He really is. He’s a good guy. He’s got a good heart. He gets it. He knows what this game is about. Unfortunately, he’s had a history of not being able to control his emotions.
“Ninety-nine percent of the time he’s in a great mood and keeps the clubhouse loose. (The) same thing that made him great – and makes him great – is the emotion that he pitches with. But, again, it’s a double-edged sword for him. It just happened one too many times.”
“What people read and probably see on TV is just him doing stuff (after) bad outings,” Wood said. “It’s unfortunate the fans don’t get to see the side that we all get to see. (He’s) a great guy. He’s upbeat. He’s always in a good mood and he’s just a different animal when he pitches.”
We’ve done “Man, do the Sox suck this year or what?” threads a couple of times so far this season. Zambrano is a special head case, however, and worthy of attention, as the number of comments plainly illustrates. Deal with it, Cub fans.
I was born & raised a Cubs fan but I have to be honest, I can’t take it anymore. It’s just not fun watching a team lose over and over again. It’s obvious Big Z has control problems–with his pitching AND his emotions. I don’t think Hendry or the Ricketts will get it until fans stop pouring into Wrigley. But then again, when your home field is more “bar” than “ballpark” what do you expect. I think my dad said it best: “The Cubs aren’t a baseball team, they’re a reality show. And a bad one at that.”
- LincolnLounger - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:42 am:
He only truly retires if he files paperwork notifying the MLB, and even then he gets a 60-day out clause to change his mind.
In other words, prepare to pay up Ricketts Family. Jim Hendry’s legacy is going to be expensive.
Quitting on your teammates midgame is unacceptable and if the cubs allow him back, it proves what kind of an organization they are.
but i love that some cub fans automatically throw out the “what about adam dunn” on this. the only similarity is that both are overpaid/underperforming. no one has ever questioned Dunn’s clubhouse behavior or role as a team player. once again, z showed he has real issues. after his 2nd pitch at Chipper Jones head when the braves came out of the dugout not one of Z’s teammates even stepped forward. that says it all.
- PrecinctCaptain - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 5:49 am:
Bye bye. As a Cubs fan I’ve had enough of this fools act. I understand he is emotional and a loose cannon, but the time for coddling and appeasing is over. I’d like Jim and Mike to do what they did to Carlos Silva. Eat the salary and wave bye bye. If they do that I would buy tickets to a few more games this season. I’ll gladly pay that loser to stay at home.
- PrecinctCaptain - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 5:52 am:
Here’s a pretty good article that encapsulates how I feel about MLBPA’s response.
- Louis G. Atsaves - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 6:37 am:
Refuse to take him back and honor his oral resignation which he backed up by packing up his bags and walking out and through a bunch of text messages. If they lose the arbitration, refuse to take him back and force him to go to court. Tie him up in court until his contract expires at the end of next year. Keep him off the mound for a season and watch his future value plunge to any future team dumb enough to sign him. Or I should say dumber than the Cubs.
It would send a strong message to the other high priced underperforming “talent” on the Cubs. Behave yourselves. Earn your pay. Or else.
Then the Cubs need to go young and develop their new talent. No more head cases like Silva, Bradley, Zambrano, Sosa. No more lazy half hearted efforts from Rarmirez and Soriano. No more spending $10 million for a first baseman who hits 200! Find players who are smart, talented and motivated. Find management that will provide the team with such players.
- South of I-80 - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 6:54 am:
White Sox/Miami; maybe Ozzie can help him here in town or when they both head towards Miami. Either way, he’s out of the North Side!
- Bill - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:09 am:
Who?
- Lulabell - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:30 am:
Get rid of the bum! The Cubs are playing decent ball suddenly and this stuff with Zambrano is just a distraction.
- Allen Skillicorn - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:31 am:
I wish him well, …on another team.
- One to the Dome - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:39 am:
Two words: He Gone!
- Damfunny - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:42 am:
Overpaid whiner.
- He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:49 am:
Cancer on the Cubs for the past few years.
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 7:50 am:
One word: History.
- Thoughts... - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:08 am:
Two words for Carlos:
Go away
- zatoichi - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:11 am:
Zambrano’s - now open in Oak Brook. Featuring overly priced, casually cooked food in a environment that promises more than it delivers.
- The Historian - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:11 am:
Cubs are better off without Carlos, just as ChiSox would be better off without Ozzie…..
- OneMan - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:13 am:
Game over man, game freakin over
- One of the 35 - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:15 am:
Once you quit, there should be no taking it back.
- JustaJoe - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:19 am:
Agree with Louis G. Atsaves. Good comment.
Quit rewarding bad behavior. Baseball is a TEAM game and Z hurts that dynamic.
- 47th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:26 am:
Don’t you have enought to worry about with your 3rd place team and Adam Dunn’s charge for the strike out record?
As for Big (cra)Z, maybe Ozzie can coax him out of retirement in Florida next year.
Seriously, your obession with sticking it to the Cubs is unbecoming, and highly insecure.
- adolfo - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:33 am:
Farewell, and take that statue playing third base with you.
- downstate hack - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:40 am:
One word “NUTS”
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:46 am:
I predict that the Cubs will move to terminate his contract, give Big Z a nominal payoff and he becomes a free agent.
Go White Sox!
- foster brooks - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:46 am:
I would take zambrano over adam dunce any day of the week
- MrJM - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:48 am:
You can’t quit by just telling your co-workers you’re quitting. The MLB Players Association will keep the north-siders on the hook for Big Z’s big bucks.
Sorry, Cubs fans.*
– MrJM
* Alternate translation: Bwahahahahahaha!
- DE - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:51 am:
Trade him for Dunn. Then north siders and south siders can all finally get together, hate their own teams, and in harmony, cheer for the Brewers.
- Edge of the 14th Ward - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:52 am:
I gave up on Carlos Zambrano in 2004 when he yelled at Jim Edmonds as Edmonds rounded the bases, following a monster home run. Later in the game, Zambrano threw at Edmonds and was ejected. Later that evening, I saw a few Cardinals fans at a pizza place near Wrigley and had the urge to apologize on behalf of Cubs fans everywhere. I didn’t - they were wearing Cardinals jerseys, after all - but I still felt ashamed of Big Z.
All that said, I’d much rather talk about Carlos Zambrano this morning than Carlos Marmol.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:57 am:
Thanks for a breaking news topic
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:57 am:
Thanks for a breaking news topic
- Roadiepig - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 8:59 am:
Good riddance. By the way- is Jim Hendry the best butt kisser in professional sports? His poor choices in high priced free agents is only compounded by crazy long term contracts that he signs and overpays these stiffs. He should have been gone when the team was bought by the Ricketts family (or earlier) but he is still there, making boneheaded decisions. As long as Hendry stays they will continue to be the laughing stock of baseball…
- Slick Willy - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:00 am:
He’s no Verlander (thank God).
Go Tigers.
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:02 am:
And for the record, if you are a real Cubs fan and / or somebody who watches more than one baseball game a month, you’d know that the real problem we have isn’t a guy like Carlos Zambrano. It boils down to two words: Jim Hendry.
- Lance Stevens - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:07 am:
why would you want him?
- someonehastosayit - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:07 am:
Here’s my question: Do the Cubs just sign kooky players or does playing for the Cubs make you kooky? Go Cardinals!
- Anonymouse - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:14 am:
In response to this: Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:02 am:
(And for the record, if you are a real Cubs fan and / or somebody who watches more than one baseball game a month, you’d know that the real problem we have isn’t a guy like Carlos Zambrano. It boils down to two words: Jim Hendry.)
The problem with the Cubs actually boils down to these two words: The Cubs.
- Sine Die - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:26 am:
HE GONE!
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:28 am:
==The problem with the Cubs actually boils down to these two words: The Cubs.==
Which still comes back to Jim Hendry. Unloading overpriced, mentally challenged ballplayers is one thing. The Cubs will never be contenders as long as he’s in charge.
- Leroy - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:32 am:
“* Alternate translation: Bwahahahahahaha! ”
Reading about baseball on Capitol Fax is like going to a Chinese restaurant and ordering lasagna.
- Stu - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:35 am:
Where’s the Adam Dunn thread?
- J - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:39 am:
The Amy Winehouse of baseball, sort of. Undeniable talent and great results at a young age, but incredibly self-destructive. He never soared as high as she did (no pun intended), and he won’t hit her low either. But still.
And of course, as a Cardinal fan, I just think it’s funny.
- Wumpus - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:41 am:
take Jim “No trade” Hendry with him. He is a monster the Cubs created, like Sosa.
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:41 am:
Carlos Z is a crazy man,
he throws the ball hard
like only he can.
His brain is on vacation
and his mouth works overtime.
They hey day is over
The crazy man is past his prime.
- doug dobmeyer - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:43 am:
Bntoo hoo…he’s as bad as the cubs management.
- Leroy - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:50 am:
4 Words:
Junior High Substitute Teacher
- Anonymous - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:57 am:
==The Cubs will never be contenders as long as he’s in charge.==
The cubs will never be contenders no matter who is in charge.
- Slick Willy - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:57 am:
===He never soared as high as she did (no pun intended), and he won’t hit her low either.===
Still plenty of time. Not wishing anything bad on the man - just sayin’ that he has some exhibited some pretty self-destructive behavior.
- siriusly - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:58 am:
I said it after his last major meltdown which was nothing short of toxic to a clubhouse that clearly had some potential in 2009, we should dump that overpaid fat headed lunatic.
Anyone who plays baseball for a living and gets paid as much money as he does should feel lucky to be alive every day. He’s an infant with a gift and he’s throwing it all away.
I don’t care if we get nothing for him. Cut him. Give him away - preferably to the Cards or someone else in the division. He’s like a cancer to any team’s morale.
- 32nd Ward Roscoe Village - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 9:59 am:
Any ideas on what to do with pre-2005 Zambrano kid’s jersey? My sons now have realized the error of their ways and are now Sox fans.
- anon - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:03 am:
Good guy, has trouble controlling emotions. One of the best pitchers in Cubs history. Probably more interested in winning than most Cubs players in recent history.
Good family man. There have never been reports of him with other women (Michael Jordan) or enjoying the nightlife too much (half of Chicago sports). Adopted a child. Involved with charities. Generally doesn’t act like an ass towards young fans of the opposing team (unlike the saint on the Southside Mark Buerhle).
It’s probably time to move on though.
Wood summed it up best…
“You hate to see it happen like that to him,” Wood said. “Seriously, baseball-aside, Z’s a good person. He really is. He’s a good guy. He’s got a good heart. He gets it. He knows what this game is about. Unfortunately, he’s had a history of not being able to control his emotions.
“Ninety-nine percent of the time he’s in a great mood and keeps the clubhouse loose. (The) same thing that made him great – and makes him great – is the emotion that he pitches with. But, again, it’s a double-edged sword for him. It just happened one too many times.”
“What people read and probably see on TV is just him doing stuff (after) bad outings,” Wood said. “It’s unfortunate the fans don’t get to see the side that we all get to see. (He’s) a great guy. He’s upbeat. He’s always in a good mood and he’s just a different animal when he pitches.”
- Cincinnatus - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:04 am:
What does this do to the value of my Zambrano autographed baseball I was once presented? I was hoping he’d get in the Hall, instead we get this…
- 3rd Generation Chicago Native - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:04 am:
Just so glad to be a Sox fan, last night they won in the 14th inning! GO SOX
Seriously, glad I could care less about the Cubs, unless of course they play the Sox.
And for “stu” Where is the Adam Dunn thread good idea!
- Wensicia - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:05 am:
The Cubs shouldn’t just dump Zambrano, there’s another Carlos that needs to go.
- Rich Miller - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:16 am:
We’ve done “Man, do the Sox suck this year or what?” threads a couple of times so far this season. Zambrano is a special head case, however, and worthy of attention, as the number of comments plainly illustrates. Deal with it, Cub fans.
- D.P. Gumby - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:28 am:
St. Louis Cardinals, 1985 World Series, Joaquín Andújar…nuf said.
- Carl Nyberg - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:33 am:
Has anyone considered playing him in right field or at first or third?
Perhaps Zambrano could dial back on the emotional issues as a position player and make use of his talent as a batter.
- LN - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:37 am:
I was born & raised a Cubs fan but I have to be honest, I can’t take it anymore. It’s just not fun watching a team lose over and over again. It’s obvious Big Z has control problems–with his pitching AND his emotions. I don’t think Hendry or the Ricketts will get it until fans stop pouring into Wrigley. But then again, when your home field is more “bar” than “ballpark” what do you expect. I think my dad said it best: “The Cubs aren’t a baseball team, they’re a reality show. And a bad one at that.”
- LincolnLounger - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:42 am:
He only truly retires if he files paperwork notifying the MLB, and even then he gets a 60-day out clause to change his mind.
In other words, prepare to pay up Ricketts Family. Jim Hendry’s legacy is going to be expensive.
- southsider - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 10:57 am:
Quitting on your teammates midgame is unacceptable and if the cubs allow him back, it proves what kind of an organization they are.
but i love that some cub fans automatically throw out the “what about adam dunn” on this. the only similarity is that both are overpaid/underperforming. no one has ever questioned Dunn’s clubhouse behavior or role as a team player. once again, z showed he has real issues. after his 2nd pitch at Chipper Jones head when the braves came out of the dugout not one of Z’s teammates even stepped forward. that says it all.
- Stones - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 11:32 am:
A huge embarassment not only for the Cubs but also the City of Chicago. So much talent yet so immature. Time to cut losses…..
- Huh? - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 11:58 am:
Just another fat, over paid spoiled brat throwing a temper trantrum.
- mokenavince - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 12:28 pm:
Adam Dunn for Zambrano, Sox need a good DH.Makes sense to me.
- Euripades Pantsoff - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 1:03 pm:
Bu-Bye
- John A Logan - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 2:31 pm:
cooking a pork loin on the grill and watching the Cubs walk the bases loaded in the 4th inning. God they are awful.
- Vote Quimby! - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 3:54 pm:
==Deal with it, Cub fans==
I never thought I would miss the Tribune Company as owner…
- Anon - Wednesday, Aug 17, 11 @ 6:08 pm:
Million dollar arm, 10 cent brain