Big Z to Skip the WBC

By Neil on February 13, 2009 10 Vote 0 Votes

Carlos Zambrano met with the media on Friday at Fitch Park and discussed a variety of topics. According to a report from Cubs.com, Zambrano will not pitch for Team Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Zambrano wants "to make sure he doesn't do anything to aggravate his right shoulder and also because he may undergo Lasik surgery on his right eye."

It was revealed during the convention in January that Zambrano has been having problems with his right eye since the end of last season. Zambrano was scheduled to see a doctor in Chicago in January and have the procedure done before Spring Training. According to the report from Cubs.com and the one from the Sun-Times, Zambrano's right eye "is now infected."

Zambrano took batting practice on Friday and reportedly hit balls out of the park.

When the surgery is done on Zambrano's eye he "will likely be sidelined about two weeks" Big Z did say his right shoulder felt good.

joe d

I'm glad these dudes aren't playing the WBC. Not worth it.

JimK

Not much news. On the subject of threatening eye issues, I survived a risky procedure last Sunday--in church. Another old well wisher for Cubs' success and I were sitting reverently listening to the choir in the choir loft above the main floor. The most fetching soprano in the choir fell from the loft while reaching with exhuberance for her high C.

Fortunately her robe and skirt caught on the chandelier--but she was left hanging there exposed to her waist. Pastor Hope, trying to save her embarassment, shouted that anyone in the congregation who looked up would be cast blind. I turned to my friend, Bill Serena, and said, I think I'll risk one eye.

Apparently, I spoke too loudly because two widows several pews away called us both heathens, and we're now looking for another church. I am doing that with both eyes still working. My guess is that Z's will be too before long.

agustin rexach

lol! Try internet church where Sundays are optional!!!

Neil

Bruce Levine just reported Alfonso Soriano and Aramis Ramirez will not play in the WBC.

Geovany Soto will participate.

Levine did not mention Derrek Lee, Carlos Marmol or Ted Lilly.

More later...

Jim

I need some baseball. Hell I would watch ST games.

Bo

unless big z has had some kind of recent trouble i find it hard to defend him. if i am not mistaken, the date for pitchers and catchers to report was set long ago and i think he knew the date. this is hard to comprehend. sounds like someone who wants to miss the boring but very much important part of the season.....very sad.....

GaryLeeT

Just saw a clip from the Trib online featuring Zambrano. I wish Z would have picked real conditioning over growing a Goose Gossage mustache. Piniella on the other hand looked relaxed and svelte. He must have dropped 40 pounds.

Raymond Robert Koenig

Here we go again! More distractions on the way. Zambrano "may" have surgery? Let's wait until right before the season starts. Typical Cubs. Also, Piniella's going to change the way he manages and rest his players more? That's not the problem in the postseason. The Cubs need a true leadoff man. Jim Hendry made a lot of moves, but he still doesn't understand.