Carlos Zambrano Suspended 6 Games by MLB After Epic Meltdown

Chicago Cubs Starting Pitcher Carlos Zambrano has been suspended 6 games after his tirade at Wednesday's game against the Pittsburg Pirates. Zambrano was also fined $3,000 by Major League Baseball. The six game suspension will mean that Zambrano will miss one start. Zambrano does not intend to appeal the decision, says his agent. Zambrano will next be able to pitch, a week from today, next Thursday against the Atlanta Braves.

With the Cubs up 2-1 in the seventh inning and a runner on third, Zambrano threw a wild pitch that bounced a short distance from the catcher. The runner on third, Nyjer Morgan, broke for home plate, and Zambrano covered the plate as he took the throw from the catcher. Zambrano tried to block the plate as Morgan slid to home plate. Umpire Mark Carlson called Morgan safe on an extremely close play that could of went either way.

After the umpire called Morgan safe, Zambrano was livid, jumping up and immediately starting arguing with the ump. Zambrano made contact with Carlson, as he was screaming, and that led to the ejection. Zambrano then started pointing in Carlson's face and gave him the ejection sign, prompting a cheer from the crowd. After that, Zambrano threw a ball into left field, slammed his glove, took a bat, and started whacking the Gatorade machine, resulting in major damage. He did that a few times before leaving the dugout. The Cubs went on to win the game 5-2.

After the game at the post-game conference, Zambrano apologized to the umpire, and for throwing the ball, and for doing the other things. Zambrano said he should of just went back to the clubhouse and watched the remainder of the game.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who is known for throwing bases and kicking dirt tirades, wanted no part of this one. He stayed on the field until Zambrano let his frustrations out on the drink dispenser. After the game, Piniella joked that he was the only calm, cool, collected one around the clubhouse.

Zambrano had a few reasons to be agitated. He is one of the fiercest competitors, was caught up in the heat of the moment, and was looking for his 100th career victory. It was understandable why he would be so upset but he shouldn't of went off like he did. This is not the first time Zambrano has been ejected for arguing with umpires, and it won't be his last. Back in 2007, Zambrano got into an altercation with his teammate Michael Barrett that escalated into a fight and both got fined.