Carlos Zambrano likes idea of Chicago Cubs batting him second

Cubs starter asks to bat 2nd, then jokes he'll move to outfield

March 8, 2009

MARYVALE, Ariz. — Speaking in Spanish in the dugout to Lou Piniella before Saturday's game against Milwaukee, Carlos Zambrano pleaded his case.

"Torre got it right," Zambrano said.

Zambrano was referring to Dodgers manager Joe Torre, who inserted starter Randy Wolf into the No. 2 hole in Friday's game against the Cubs.

Piniella laughed but kept Zambrano in the No. 9 spot, where he singled in his only at-bat.

Afterward, Zambrano joked he would retire from pitching to concentrate on hitting.

"I'll go to the minor leagues, get some at-bats and come back as a right fielder or left fielder," he said. "Move [ Alfonso] Soriano to second base. Why not? If [Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel] can do it, why not?"

Zambrano struck out five of the 14 batters he faced in a three-inning stint, though his throwing error contributed to a two-run inning in a 2-0 loss.

Before the game, Piniella said he would ask both Zambrano and Ryan Dempster which one most wants to be the Opening Day starter April 6 in Houston.

Zambrano said he wants it badly.

"My answer would be 'me,' " he said. "But I guarantee you Dempster will say him."

Johnson watch: Former White Sox catcher Mark Johnson wasn't expected to compete for the backup spot, but the struggles of Paul Bako and Koyie Hill have thrust him into the mix.

"It's almost to the point of whoever can get a base hit once in a while [wins the job]," Piniella said with a laugh.

Bako is hitting .091 and Hill .250. Johnson went 1-for-3 Saturday after going hitless in four at-bats previously. Does Johnson have a shot?

"I don't see why not," Piniella said.

Zambrano said he liked throwing to Johnson.

"He's a good catcher and has been around many years," Zambrano said. "It's good to have experience behind the plate."

The quote: Piniella, on being frustrated over the early lack of bat speed from sluggers Soriano, Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez: "I know it's difficult for these guys, but you have got to push yourself. You can get into this malaise. And I know, I've been there, [thinking] 'I still have time. I still have time.' I'm not complaining about anybody. I'm saying I'd just like to see it."

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Carlos Zambrano likes idea of Chicago Cubs batting him second

Cubs starter asks to bat 2nd, then jokes he'll move to outfield

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Related topic galleries: Randy Wolf, Paul Bako, Lou Piniella, Ryan Dempster, Baseball, Carlos Zambrano, Derrek Lee

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