Cubs ace Zambrano fires back at booing fans after latest loss

Sep 4, 2007 - 2:09 AM CHICAGO (Ticker) -- A few weeks ago, Carlos Zambrano finally got what he wanted. Now Chicago Cubs fans want some payback.

Zambrano, who had threatened to leave Chicago at the end of the season as a free agent if he wasn't given a contract extension, got his wish on August 17, signing a five-year, $91.5 million contract.

But the 26-year-old who publicly said that he would win the Cy Young Award this season, has been nothing but horrible since the extension.

Zambrano's slump couldn't come at a worse time as the Cubs try to stay afloat in the National League Central. Chicago (70-66) has a 1 1/2-game lead in the division over the Milwaukee Brewers (69-68) and two games ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals (67-67).

In his latest embarrassing outing, Zambrano allowed eight runs on seven hits in 4 1/3 innings to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday at Wrigley Field. And the Cubs fans expressed their displeasure, booing the ace as he walked off the field.

Zambrano shot back in the locker room afterward.

"I don't accept that the fans booed me," Zambrano said. "I really can't understand that. I thought these were the greatest fans in baseball, but they showed me today that they only care about themselves. That's not fair, when you are struggling, you want to feel like you have their support. I don't accept their reaction.

"I will remember that. I don't want to stink and (have) bad outings. I know the great moment of my career will come."

Since the signing, Zambrano has lost all three of his starts, giving up 18 runs in 16 innings. The righthander is 0-5 with a 8.29 ERA in his last six starts.

"We need Carlos straightened out," Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. "His stuff is plenty good. I liked his stuff today. I was expecting a really, really, bang-up effort.

The 26-year-old Venezuelan hasn't logged a victory since July 29, when he held the Cincinnati Reds scoreless over 7 1/3 innings, leading the Cubs to the 6-0 triumph.

For the season, Zambrano is 14-11 with a 4.35 ERA in 29 starts.