Right there in the middle of the fifth inning, as the Cubs/Braves game was coming back from commercial, Comcast Sportsnet showed a dugout fight between pitcher Carlos Zambrano, and his catcher Michael Barrett that must have occurred while the telecast was at a commercial break. (Update: Watch the video)While it never came to actual punches landing, it was definitely one of the most heated on-field exchanges between teammates that I've ever seen. Zambrano was entering the dugout and pointing to his head, visibly upset. He started yelling and it seemed like he was cussing at Barrett (possibly over the pitches Barrett was calling). Barrett started to point towards the field (most likely at the scoreboard to show Zambrano up) while taking steps towards Zambrano. And as the announcers noted, the frustration completely boiled over when Zambrano pushed Barrett, who kept coming at Carlos. Barrett's back was turned to the camera as he approached Zambrano, so there's no way to tell if Barrett let out some cuss words that might have set Zambrano off.
There was a clear exchange of slaps and pushes, and if the players hadn't been pulled apart, punches could have been thrown (Zambrano's arm definitely looked cocked). At this point I'm still unclear as to what set the two off, but we do know that Zambrano was lit up for five runs on five hits (and one error) in the top of the fifth, and he obviously was not happy about it. The announcers are already noting that this story will take over headlines in the media, and be the subject of many future questions for the players and manager Lou Piniella to answer.
Meanwhile, Koyie Hill has entered the game as the catcher, and Scott Eyre has replaced Carlos Zambrano as the pitcher. Both Lou Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild went into the clubhouse to attend to the matter. We'll have more details for you as they come in. Keep checking in for more updates. And I'll say this, the incident reminded me a lot of Barrett's exchange with A.J. Pierzynksi last year, only difference, these two are teammates, not opponents.
UPDATE: Commenters at Bleed Cubbie Blue think a passed ball and mix up over signs may have set things off (watch out for offensive language)
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)
1. I can't wait for the replays.
Posted at 4:38PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Atlantic City
2. It's time for THE BIG Z to go
Posted at 4:41PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Joe Roberts
3. I think it's time for BIG Z to elsewhere.
Posted at 4:44PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Joe Roberts
4. I think it's time for Big Z to go elsewhere
Posted at 4:55PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Joe Roberts
5. Before the season began there were rumors of a deal with the yankees. AROD comng to the cubs and Zambrano going there. Back then I said no, Hendry shouldn't do it but I am beginning to rethink this deal. Zambrano just doesn't seem to have it this year. He isn't striking out people the way he used to and seems to be making bad pitches too often. It looks and sounds to me like AROD needs a change of scenery so maybe Hendry needs to relook at this option. Zambrano definitely isn't pitching like an ace and he definitely isn't acting like one either.
Plus, maybe AROD needs to get out of New York witht he breaking news of a girlfriend stripper that could cost him his marriage.
Posted at 5:26PM on Jun 1st 2007 by kevin
6. I said it before and il say it again... big z is a hot head and a cancer to the club house. Barrett shuda just knocked him the fudge out.
Posted at 5:28PM on Jun 1st 2007 by shane burke
7. Big Z had a bad game...but Barrett has to be one of the dumbest players in the league...he cant catch the ball, throw it, or even call a game...remember he was drafted as a 3rd baseman
Posted at 5:38PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Rick N.
8. Big Z has to go....lol....Barrett can't call a game...catch the ball or throw anyone out. No Wonder why he was drafted as a 3rd baseman. Big Z had a bad game. But least he shows some fire unlike this pathetic team. Barrett has to be one of the dumbest players in baseball and the catcher is suppose to be the smartest. This is still the dusty excuse laden teams from the past with over the hill veterans who cant hit.
Posted at 5:39PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Rick N.
9. This is why the cubs are the lovable losers....Derosa the lifetime utility player gets a fat contract. Jacque jones....ummm 4years past prime, barrett, well we all know about his game...lol. This is how u score these hitters...pop up, strike out,,,or home run. Bad team! Hendry needs to go and what happen to that cubbie swagger, LOU.
Posted at 5:50PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Rick N.
10. Barrett is one of the "good guys" in baseball. He's donating $10,000 for every home run he hits this year to charity. He works hard in the offseason, and he doesn't make excuses or duck responsibility.
Say all you want about Zambrano, though. As far as I'm concerned, he's a spoiled child and can take his tantrums elsewhere. Let's shop him and see what we can get...I'd take prospects at this point, because I don't see us re-signing him after this year anyway, especially now.
They're both frustrated because the team sucks...I think anybody would get nutty playing they way they are right now.
Posted at 6:17PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Steve L.
11. From observing this fracas on TV it looked to me like Zambrano instigated the whole thing. He walked towards Barrett, pointed to his head and seemed to be in a beligerant state......I have no way of knowing what was said but it is well known that Zambrano has a short fuse. The ARod for Zambrano trade seems like a good deal now for the Cubs, alto it didn't earlier.
Posted at 6:26PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Bobby Hunt
12. First of all, Larry Brown is an Idiot! Reminds him of Barrett's and Pierzynski's exchange last year? What an Idiot.
Now, I agree with the people above. zambrano should go. He's not done a thing this yeaar, except point the finger at everyone else. His pitching stinks, he can't handle the pressure, so he blows up. That idiot assistant general manager talking about zambrano's hot head makes him the pitcher he is. Well, I don't thinkhe realizes just how right he was with that statement, zambrano pitches like he throws punches. He slaps like a girl, and that's how he pitches. Get Rid Of HIM. Oh by the way, I know I didn't capitilize zambranos first letter in his name, he doesn't deserve to have it capitilized.
Posted at 6:37PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Bigg Edd
13. I think u have to look into dumping some of these washed up veterans and get some kids in there that wanna play...wait, they dont have any cuz all we draft are pitchers...we have 2 prospects in all of our farm system...pie and patterson....whatta mess. 130 million dollar payroll for moral victories...and "battle thru these times" I hope someone buys this team that knows what they are doin. Same organization that had K patterson batting 3 thru 5 in minors..when he was never gonna be more than a 6 or 7 hitter. u cant buy championships, just ask the yanks...when they were good..they would fill in holes with free agents.
Posted at 6:40PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Rick N.
14. Man, Yalls is trippin
Posted at 9:11PM on Jun 1st 2007 by Bob
15. BIG Z - you are the man -
Alot of ladies like Barrett - ladies please!
Z has it!!! Plan on seeing him in the World Series - Oh yeah- that would mean he wouldn't be a FLUB!!
or should I say CUB?????
Posted at 10:32PM on Jun 1st 2007 by valerie
16. You should have seen this coming cubbie fans.
Posted at 12:46AM on Jun 2nd 2007 by whitesox fan
17. Zambrano's having a better year than last. In June and July 2006, he went insane after going 3-3. He's already at a head start and pretty much goes through this every year - letting emotions get in the way of clear judgment. I wouldn't be surprised if Zambrano cursed at Barrett first given his history. But I agree with a previous comment that Barrett is not a good catcher. Outside of a slightly above mediocre bat for his position, he's a below-average catcher. Stealing off of him is very easy, he doesn't call good pitches in tight situations at the plate, and also has a temper of his own. Remember the Cubs/Sox last year? That wasn't A.J.'s fault - it was Barrett's because he lost self-control. To heck with them both - trade Zambrano and Pie for an SP1 or SP2 and a strong bat and just get rid of Barrett. I don't really care how the latter is carried out.
Posted at 12:59AM on Jun 2nd 2007 by David
18. This is just another example of what the league will tolerate. MLB like the NBA, NFL & NHL all have the biggest book of excuses. Bigger than any play book. These sports are games, childrens' games. Advertizers and the media have turned them into a very lucitave industry. Big money, Bigger egos with even bigger controlers. Players never are punished for whatever they do. Do you think a suspension for someone earning 2,3,5 million dollars a year hurts. The leagues believe the fans and viewing audience are stupid and they are. They continue to support and pay for all that goes on. If the penalty for unprofessional behavior was loss of emplopyment first offense no questions asked, no excuses, no forgiveness things would change. Let the player who violates the rules and professionalism go home to his wife who is used to seeing those big pay checks find out that being stupid is making her lose her home, her cars, her lifestyle then watch what happens.
Posted at 10:27AM on Jun 2nd 2007 by Jim Quinn
19. i know its childish to pick a fight with one of ur own teamates, but that was obviously frustration that was building up through out the game. guys were droppin easy pop-flys left and right, cubs had a guy on first and second and couldnt score, and barret did mess up on that catch that he thrw wild to third. they looked like a team full of fifth graders and they need to start playing like a team and start winning. everyone knows thery are capable of doin it, they just need to believe the same in themselves.
Posted at 11:56AM on Jun 2nd 2007 by luke
20. Zambrano has always fallen apart after 4 innings,
he finds blame in everyone but himself. Pinellia should have taken him out long before it went that far.
Get rid of Lou and Carlos, bring back RIGS!!!
Posted at 11:57AM on Jun 2nd 2007 by Mark Allen