CUBS PITCHER SUSPENDED FOR SIX GAMES FOLLOWING TIRADE

When umpire Mark Carlson tossed Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano out of a Major League Baseball game last Wednesday against Pittsburgh, the show was only beginning. Zambrano was ejected for vehemently objecting to Carlson’s call on a close play at home plate. After Carlson gave him the thumb, Zambrano mockingly gave Carlson the thumb, threw the ball into center field, tossed his glove to the infield, and then battered an unarmed soft drink dispenser in the Cubs dugout before Chicago manager Lou Piniella was able to get Zambrano to go to the locker room.

As a result, Zambrano was suspended for six games for what MLB’s Bob Watson termed “inappropriate and violent actions on the field and in the dugout.” Zambrano will not appeal the decision. Piniella (who is not exactly the shy, retiring type himself) agreed with the suspension, saying, “This is not the WWF…this is professional baseball.” Thanks for noticing, Lou.