The Cubs have placed Zambrano on the 30-day disqualified list and don't want to pay him for the period -- that would work out to something close to $3 million of his $17.875 million salary this season. Zambrano's five-year contract still includes next year -- at $18 million. There's also a $19.25 million option for 2013 that vests only in the now unlikely events he finishes first or second in this year's Cy Young Award voting or in the top 4 next year.
Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, has filed a grievance through the Players Association and the case will be addressed Monday.
Praver told ESPN that Zambrano contacted the team Friday night to recant the retirement comments and returned his belongings to the clubhouse.
But Cubs players watching a television report this morning laughed at the part about Zambrano returning his equipment, according to the Chicago Tribune. Zambrano's equipment was returned, but the Cubs put his duffel bag in an adjoining room and pitcher Randy Wells put his guitar and some clothes in the empty locker.
There's plenty in dispute, beginning with the circumstances surrounding Zambrano's departure from the clubhouse after he allowed five home runs then was ejected after throwing two pitches close to Chipper Jones.
Manager Mike Quade said after that game that Zambrano cleaned out his locker, took down his nameplate and left after telling a clubhouse attendant he probably was retiring.
"I can't have a guy walking out on 24 guys," Quade said.
Zambrano's fiery history with the team reduces the chances he'll pitch for the club again, but also reduces the chances the Cubs can get out from under the contract.
He was suspended by the team last season -- but was paid -- after a dugout confrontation with teammate Derrek Lee and manager Lou Piniella. Zambrano went through eight months of anger management training.
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