NL NOTEBOOK
Cubs' Barrett Injured in Clubhouse Fight
Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano, middle, is led to the clubhouse after having heated words with catcher Michael Barrett, top.
(By Phil Velasquez -- Chicago Tribune Via Associated Press)
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Cubs RHP Carlos Zambrano and C Michael Barrett shoved each other in the dugout, then the pitcher busted his teammate's lip in the clubhouse so badly that Barrett wound up in a hospital yesterday, when the Cubs lost to the Braves, 8-5, at Wrigley Field.
"I only have so many players that I can play. You know?" Manager Lou Piniella said during a postgame media session with reporters that escalated into shouting. "And it's about time some of them start playing like major leaguers! Or, get somebody else in here that can catch the damn ball or run the bases properly! All right? That's all I can say!"
Piniella left the interview room, muttering a profanity along the way. It wasn't clear if he was singling out Barrett, who had a base running blunder earlier in the week, or referring to the whole team.
Both players will be disciplined today, according to the manager.
Atlanta had just scored five runs in the top of the fifth to increase its lead to 7-1. With runners on first and second, Barrett allowed a passed ball and threw wildly to third for an error to let in a run.
Zambrano was seen pointing at his head and yelling at the catcher in the dugout before the bottom half, while Barrett pointed toward the field. There was shoving and some slaps. Zambrano cocked his right fist as they were being separated. Piniella said Zambrano was upset about the passed ball, and the manager along with several players walked the pitcher back to the clubhouse. Piniella told Zambrano to take a shower and go home, then returned to the dugout.
Moments later, a clubhouse attendant could be seen telling Piniella something. Derrek Lee jumped up and headed into the tunnel, and Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild followed.
-- From News Services
