Breaking News: Zambrano Placed on the Disqualified List

In case you missed it last night, Carlos Zambrano exploded again. He was being hammered for home run after home run by the Atlanta Braves and was ejected from the game for throwing at Chipper Jones. He stormed into the locker room, where he claimed that he was retiring from baseball and cleaned out his locker. Today, the Cubs have placed Zambrano disqualified list, where he will not be allowed to have any contact with the team or collect pay for the next 30 day.

Click here for the official press release.

The Major League Baseball Players' Union will file grievance with the Cubs challenging this decision. The Union will probably not allow the Cubs to fine him $3 million, which is what he's owed during the 30 day ban.

There have been a lot of interesting quotes from many of the Cubs players and personnel on Z's latest antics. Here are some of them-

Jim Hendry
"We will respect his wishes and honor them and move forward."
Said he took the most stringent action he could short of releasing Zambrano.
Apologized to the Braves for ruining Bobby Cox's nights with Z's actions.

Mike Quade
"I don't know where he's at. He walked out on 24 guys that were battling their (bleeps) off for him I can't have a guy walking out on 24 guys, that's for (bleep) sure."
"I've spent enough time on this, time to get ready for the game."

Aramis Ramirez
"I've never seen somebody just pack up their stuff and leave."

Marlon Byrd
"I have now clue. If we don't see him tomorrow, we might not see him again."

Ryan Dempster
This "may be best for both sides."
"I think the guys in here are upbeat today. He's made his own bed and he's got to sleep in it."

Alfonso Soriano
"He's been doing a lot of things, not once or twice. Gotta think a little bit more. Big man, but mentally he's weak."

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!

Breaking News: Cubs Close to Sending D-Lee to Atlanta

Update 4:50 CT- The trade has been finalized. Derrek Lee has been sent to the Atlanta Braves. In return the Cubs get RHP Robinson Lopez, RHP Tyrelle Harris, and LHP Jeffrey Lorick. Lee will be available for Friday's game at Wrigley Field between the Braves and Cubs and is expected to make his Braves debut against his former team this weekend.

Update 12:40 CT- Bob Nightengale tweets that the deal will be finalized this afternoon.

The Cubs are close making a waiver trade that would send Derrek Lee to Atlanta. David Kaplan, who broke the news on his blog this morning, reports that Lee will waive his no trade rights and approve this trade because the Braves are a playoff contender that would give him a chance for another World Series ring.

The trade was first talked about on Sunday night when Jim Hendry was contacted by the Braves GM after Chipper Jones went down with a knee injury. The deal is not finalized yet, partly because of the bulging disc in Lee's back which has had him out since Sunday.

Atlanta wants to make sure that Derrek is healthy before they add his contract. The Cubs are not expected to get much talent back in return for their first baseman, but they will get some salary relief.

I'll update with more information as soon as it's available!