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.

Marmol watch: Carlos Marmol postponed until Sunday his decision on whether to play for the Dominican Republic in the WBC. Marmol wanted to talk to Dominican manager Felipe Alou before deciding, though it looks like he's going to send his regrets.

"It's hard to say no to your country," Marmol said.

Marmol wants to focus on the closer battle with Kevin Gregg and was concerned when Piniella told him Gregg would be throwing 98 m.p.h. in Cactus League games while he's away at the WBC.

"He was joking," Marmol said. "But I took it seriously. You never know what's going to happen, especially with Lou."

Sad note: Hitting coach Gerald Perry left camp Friday after his father died.