Zambrano Is No Rick James

Carlos Zambrano is a tired act.

His immaturity, defensiveness and pure laziness grew old years ago, and it’s still at its peak this season.

The man needs checked, the way Charlie Murphy checked Rick James (played by Dave Chappelle) on the Chappelle Show.

Give Zambrano an inch, and the Cubs have allowed much more, and his ego will walk all over you: a common, but inexcusable, problem with many pro athletes these days, nonetheless.

If the Cubs, however, would just check Zambrano it’s possible he matures into the dominating pitcher he should be.

The checking, namely holding Carlos responsible for his childish behavior, starts with Lou and finishes with Hendry.

Whether that’s benching the guy or hitting him in the pocket book, it’s time the Cubs show Zambrano they mean business.

Keep the status quo, however, and Chicago is better served trading the right-hander this offseason or risk wasting the roughly $60 million left on his contract.

Ideally, you want the Cubs to do everything in their power to keep Z.

He’s won 104 games on the North Side, and at least 13 during the past six seasons.

His .615 winning percentage is the highest in franchise history. He’s also a three time All Star and Silver Slugger Award winner.

We know superb starting pitching isn’t easily replaced, lose Zambrano and it’s likely the Cubs lose more games than they’ll win.

On the other hand, if we’ve learned anything from the Cubs’ disappointing season it’s that character should not be overlooked by great numbers.

That came into play over the winter and look what’s happened: a divided clubhouse that’s grossly underperformed.

No doubt the failure to improve first falls on Zambrano, but the Cubs brass has dropped the ball too.

If no one in the Cubs’ organization has the balls to check Zambrano they will have failed miserable.

Lou, Hendry, whoever…just somebody please smack Zambrano upside the head to let him know he’s not Rick James, BITCH!