MLB: Cubs fine Barrett and Zambrano
Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Chicago Cubs catcher Michael Barrett and pitcher Carlos Zambrano were both fined on Saturday for their actions in two separate altercations on Friday.
"I have talked to both players and told them there was no need for what happened," said Cubs manager Lou Piniella before Saturday's contest against Atlanta. "They have both been fined."
During Chicago's 8-5 loss to the Atlanta Braves at Wrigley Field on Friday, Barrett and Zambrano engaged in two separate incidents.
After seeing the Braves take a 7-1 lead courtesy of a five-run fifth inning helped by Barrett's passed ball and throwing error, both players engaged in a heated argument in the dugout prior to the bottom of the inning.
Zambrano and Barrett came together and attempted to throw punches before both players were restrained and separated from each other, and neither player returned to the lineup.
"It was all my fault," Zambrano said. "Everything was all my fault. I want to apologize to the Cubs organization and the fans."
Barrett was later taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and received six stitches in his lip, after scuffling with Zambrano a second time in the Cubs' clubhouse.
"I love all of my teammates and I love Carlos Zambrano," explained Barrett. "We had our differences and now we don't."
