Nothing small about Zambrano's goals

Carlos Zambrano is thinking big.

Not just his next-start big. Not just All-Star-Game big. But World-Series big.

First things first.

Zambrano played catch on the outfield grass before Thursday's game against the Orioles. He proclaimed his right shoulder fine. The plan is for Zambrano to throw lightly today and then play "long toss" Saturday at U.S. Cellular Field. If that goes well, he'll get up on the mound Sunday and throw a bullpen session.

All signs appear to be pointing toward Zambrano coming off the disabled list on the Fourth of July in St. Louis and pitching against the Cardinals.

"I'm ready; I want to pitch in the All-Star Game," Zambrano said. "I want to help the National League so in the World Series, we can have the home advantage."

Whichever league wins the All-Star Game gets homefield advantage in the World Series, and Zambrano's thinking is that he can help the Cubs by helping the NL next month at Yankee Stadium.

Of course, Zambrano still has to be picked to the NL team, and that's no sure thing. Alfonso Soriano, Kosuke Fukudome and Geovany Soto are good bets to be voted onto the team. Closer Kerry Wood and setup man Carlos Marmol also are candidates, as is starting pitcher Ryan Dempster.

Zambrano has been on the DL with what the Cubs term a slight strain to his right shoulder.

Lou an all-star: Cubs manager Lou Piniella has been added to the National League coaching staff for the All-Star Game. Piniella, named by Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, rep laces recently fired Mets manager Willie Randolph.

Piniella played for the Yankees from 1974-84.

"I'm happy that they asked," he said. "I accept. I look forward to flying to New York. This will be the last time I'm in Yankee Stadium. I played there, managed there, coached there, was the general manager. It'll be fun for me. I'm appreciative that I was asked."

Eyre hurt: Lefty reliever Scott Eyre faced three batters in the sixth inning before coming out with a strained left groin. Eyre did not wish to talk with reporters.

A Cubs spokesman said Eyre will be evaluated over the next 2-3 days and that he's not an immediate candidate to go on the DL. Eyre had his upper left leg taped.

Fukudome sits again: Kosuke Fukudome ran at about 75 percent Thursday morning and missed his second straight game with tightness in his left calf.

"I didn't go full speed, so I couldn't really tell," he said.

Fukudome said he believes he hurt the calf playing on the artificial turf in Toronto and Tampa Bay.

In the fold: The Cubs have signed 26 players from this year's amateur draft, including Ryan Flaherty, an infielder out of Vanderbilt taken between the first and second rounds.

Third-round pick Christopher Carpenter, a right-handed pitcher out of Kent State, also is in the fold.

Yet to be signed is No. 1 pick Andrew Cashner, a righty out of Texas Christian. The Cubs have expressed confidence it will get done, even if it takes most of the summer.