Carlos Zambrano Placed on Disqualified List

After another blow up Friday night, the Cubs have placed starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano on the 30 day disqualified list.  Along with not being paid while on the list, Zambrano will not be allowed to have any activity with Chicago.

While Zambrano has had his share of trouble in the Windy City, Friday was a little different.  After surrendering a career high 5 home runs to the Braves, Zambrano was ejected for throwing inside twice on Chipper Jones.  Big Z proceeded to clear out his locker and tell teammates that he was going to retire.

"“His actions last night are totally intolerable,” general manager Jim Hendry said. “In dealing with the hierarchy at MLB today, this was really the most stringent penalty that our club could enforce without a release.”"

Known for his over the top personality, Zambrano has caused much controversy during his time with the Cubs.  Earlier this season the big right hander called the team a Triple-A club and “embarrassing”.  In years past Zambrano’s had run ins with members of club’s team and front office alike.

Other players seem to be fed up with Zambrano’s antics.  Teammates Ryan Dempster and Alfonso Soriano noted how this isn’t the first time something like this has happened involving Zambrano.  Soriano used the words “mentally weak” when describing Zambrano and Dempster doesn’t expect him to pitch again for the Cubs.

Zambrano’s saving grace in years past was his success, as Chicago could better deal with his issues while he was winning 18 games and garnering Cy Young votes.

But this season Zambrano’s ERA has ballooned to 4.82 and, while he does have another year remaining on his large contract, he may have finally burned his bridges in Chicago.

For more on the Cubs, be sure to check out Cubbies Crib.