Zambrano impressive in spring debut

MESA, Ariz. - Carlos Zambrano was in regular season form - when it comes to his antics on the mound.

The emotional Cubs right-hander pointed to the sky after the first inning and pumped his fist after the second.

He wasn't too bad when he was pitching either, striking out three in 2 hitless innings for the Cubs in a 9-1 loss to Arizona.

"I felt good and I am ready to go," said Zambrano, who walked one. "I'll have 4 or 5 more starts in spring training, and I am excited for the season.

"My fastball is back. I lost 10 to 15 pounds and I want to come out of spring training in shape, not that in past years I wasn't in shape, but I want to be in (better) shape and ready to go."

Cubs manager Lou Piniella was impressed with Zambrano's debut, but he wasn't ready to make any decisions about the opening-day starter beyond saying it's between Zambrano and Ryan Dempster.

"We don't have one yet," Piniella said. "Let's stretch everyone out and see where everybody is by the middle of March. Right now, I think it is too early."

Zambrano has made the last 4 opening-day starts for the Cubs, going 0-1 with a 5.57 ERA in those games. There was a time when the idea of someone else getting the start would have caused him to react.

"Whatever he wants to decide," said Zambrano, who was 14-6 with a 3.91 ERA last season. "I feel good with (being the) opening day starter, but Dempster had a good year.

"When you have so many years doing the same thing, coming to spring training, you are going to mature."

Cubs closer candidate Carlos Marmol worked a scoreless inning in his last outing before joining the Dominican team in Florida for the World Baseball Classic.

"I feel and good, and ready to go, and we will see what happens out there," he said.

Notes: Cubs right fielder Milton Bradley (left quadriceps) ran and took batting practice without any setbacks. He hasn't appeared in a game since his first at-bat of the spring on Feb. 26 but is scheduled to be the designated hitter Wednesday in Goodyear, Ariz., against the Indians and then play Friday in the outfield against the Los Angeles Dodgers. ... Infielder Mike Fontenot, playing third base instead of his usual second base, made a nice relay throw to cut down a runner at the plate.