Pirates tag Zambrano in Cubs 10-6 loss

Carlos Zambrano is a tough guy to figure out, and Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field proved no different.

After coming into a 6-6 game in the eighth inning in his new role as set-up man, Zambrano promptly plunked the first batter he faced, gave up a single to the next batter and then served up a 3-run homer to Garrett Jones as the Pirates rallied for a 10-6 victory, their fifth straight win over the Cubs.

As Jones circled the bases, Zambrano circled the mound looking like it was the last place he wanted to be while the 39,000 fans on hand let him have it with a cascade of boos that didn't stop until the inning mercifully came to an end.

How in the world would he act when reporters circled around him at his locker afterward?

Cool as a cucumber, that's how.

But how is that possible?

"Because I'm a professional," Zambrano said. "This was my first blown situation. I just have to keep my head up and come back ready for tomorrow. I'm ready to pitch back to back to help this team."

Zambrano has allowed 6 runs in 82/3 innings as a reliever, a role he was asked about again after the game. And again he patiently explained his position on going from starter to reliever.

"Listen, let's get this clear; I wasn't happy the first day after they told me about (the switch)," he said. "I wasn't sure it was going to work. Now I accept it. I'm a reliever now and I have to do my job as a reliever. I'm happy now. I'm here and I can help this team."

It's that attitude, even in defeat, that has left teammates more than impressed.

"It's tough because he's a competitor, he gets here early, he works hard all the time," said Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd.

"It's tough to adjust," said starter Tom Gorzelanny, who has done a little of both since joining the Cubs. "(You're thinking) what am I supposed to do? You sit here and they call your name. As a starter, we prepare for four days for the next game. Being in the bullpen you can be in there the next inning or you won't pitch in five games."

One thing for sure in the short-term, at least, is that Zambrano, who again said he wouldn't mind returning to the rotation someday, will remain in the bullpen whether he's struggling or not.

"Right now, that's where he's going to continue to be," manager Lou Piniella said. "He's giving effort, I'm not even thinking about that.

"I don't know what his problem was today, but he gave up some runs. I don't have an answer for that."

Nor does the Cubs skipper have an answer when it comes to the righties in his bullpen.

"We don't have many options," Piniella said. "Outside of Marmol, we don't have a right-hander here that gets hitters out with any consistency at all."

<p class="factboxheadblack">Mike Spellman's game tracker</p>

<p class="News">Pirates 10, Cubs 6</p>

<p class="News"><b>Numbers game:</b> In one of his rare poor outings this season, the number that stuck out from starter Tom Gorzelanny's line wasn't the 9 hits allowed nor the 4 walks given up, but the fact he threw 113 pitches in 5 innings.</p>

<p class="News">Warming up: Aramis Ramirez, was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. It was just his second multihit game of the season and his first since the season opener, April 5 at Atlanta.</p>

<p class="News"><b>Welcome back:</b> How about a shout out for Pirates right fielder and Tinley Park resident Garrett Jones, who went 5-for-6 with 5 RBI - both career highs. His 3-run homer in the eighth was the game-winner.</p>

<div class="infoBox">

<h1>More Coverage</h1>

<div class="infoBoxContent">

<div class="infoArea">

<h2>Stories</h2>

<ul class="links">

<li><a href="/story/?id=380939">Productive Byrd contines to soar for Cubs<span class="date"> [5/14/10]</span></a></li>

</ul>

</div>

</div>

</div>