Zambrano's status with Cubs unclear

Members of the Chicago Cubs say they were dismayed when pitcher Carlos Zambrano said he was retiring after a shellacking on the mound by the Atlanta Braves. The Cubs' ace gave up five home runs in four innings and had cleaned out his locker and left the stadium by the time the 10-4 Braves victory was in the books. "His locker is empty," manager Mike Quade told reporters after the game. "I don't know where he is at. He walked out on 24 guys that are battling their (butts) off for him." Quade did not pull his ace. He was ejected in the fifth inning after throwing a pair of inside pitches to Chipper Jones and apparentlycleaned out his locker and left Turner Field without speaking to anyone. "I guess we'll see," said Marlon Byrd. "If he doesn't show up, we might not see him again." The Chicago Tribune said Saturday that while the Cubs players appeared in the dark about Zambrano's future with the team, General Manager Jim Hendry indicated there was a good chance all would not be forgiven. "We will respect his wishes and honor them and move forward," he said.