02-22-2009, 12:05 AM
Sullivan's already in mid-season form
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Zambrano tests arm, shows off his testy side
February 22, 2009
MESA, Ariz. — While Chicago endured another snowstorm Saturday morning, Hurricane Z made its first sweep through Fitch Park.
Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano threw his first batting-practice session, facing a handful of minor-league hitters at 8:30 a.m., with pitching coach Larry Rothschild and trainer Mark O'Neal behind the mound.
The Cubs are monitoring Zambrano closely after shoulder problems contributed to a poor second half last year. Despite throwing a no-hitter in September against the Astros, Zambrano compiled a 5.80 ERA after the All-Star break. The Cubs said not to read anything into the fact that O'Neal was watching Zambrano or that Zambrano bypassed the media and stomped out of the clubhouse shouting "beat it" in Spanish.
After the day's workout, manager Lou Piniella said Jeff Samardzija would start the Cactus League opener Wednesday and Zambrano won't pitch until the sixth or seventh game. With spring training lasting a week longer because of the World Baseball Classic, Zambrano and Rich Harden will be starting behind the others.
While no one seems overly concerned about Zambrano's shoulder, some are worried about his head. When reporters approached him after his session, Zambrano said he was not speaking in either English, Spanish or Japanese.
So how did the session go?
"Hold on," Zambrano said before bending down to tie his shoes.
He then got up from his stool and stalked off to the kitchen.
"I'll be back in four hours," he said.
When the clubhouse opened four hours later, Zambrano was gone.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->Zambrano tests arm, shows off his testy side
February 22, 2009
MESA, Ariz. — While Chicago endured another snowstorm Saturday morning, Hurricane Z made its first sweep through Fitch Park.
Cubs right-hander Carlos Zambrano threw his first batting-practice session, facing a handful of minor-league hitters at 8:30 a.m., with pitching coach Larry Rothschild and trainer Mark O'Neal behind the mound.
The Cubs are monitoring Zambrano closely after shoulder problems contributed to a poor second half last year. Despite throwing a no-hitter in September against the Astros, Zambrano compiled a 5.80 ERA after the All-Star break. The Cubs said not to read anything into the fact that O'Neal was watching Zambrano or that Zambrano bypassed the media and stomped out of the clubhouse shouting "beat it" in Spanish.
After the day's workout, manager Lou Piniella said Jeff Samardzija would start the Cactus League opener Wednesday and Zambrano won't pitch until the sixth or seventh game. With spring training lasting a week longer because of the World Baseball Classic, Zambrano and Rich Harden will be starting behind the others.
While no one seems overly concerned about Zambrano's shoulder, some are worried about his head. When reporters approached him after his session, Zambrano said he was not speaking in either English, Spanish or Japanese.
So how did the session go?
"Hold on," Zambrano said before bending down to tie his shoes.
He then got up from his stool and stalked off to the kitchen.
"I'll be back in four hours," he said.
When the clubhouse opened four hours later, Zambrano was gone.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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