According to multiple reports, Carlos Zambrano was suspended indefinitely by Jim Hendry following his actions Friday afternoon.
From the Tribune: “His conduct was not acceptable,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. “It has become a bit of a tired act.” Hendry said he spoke briefly with Zambrano, who was sent home during the game by manager Jim 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.
Hendry said he would rather have a 24-man roster than tolerate what happened Friday. By rule, the Cubs will have to play with a 24-man roster during Zambrano’s suspension.
Details on Zambrano’s latest tirade from the Tribune:
“He was ranting and raving and was out of control,” Piniella said. “I had a conversation with our general manager and we’ll see what we do. But 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. “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.”
Jim Memolo (WGN Radio) speculated during the Cubs’ 10th inning show that the Cubs will do everything they can to trade Carlos Zambrano.
Will update …