Chicago Cubs Baseball

From A to Z, tomorrow is a big day for Chicago Cubs baseball. And it’s only the second full day of spring training.

Tuesday is the day the Cubs hope to avoid A (arbitration) with Z (Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano). From all indications it’s a day that will likely come and pass with all things intact - Cubs management will have avoided salary arbitration for the 14th consecutive year (Mark Grace was the last in 1993) and Big Z will begin the season with the one-year contract - with the bigger wage war to be fought at season’s end.

But there are bigger questions. Ones that dig in - like Albert Pujols waiting on a Glendon Rusch lollipop.

Why the the drama? And why now?

Cubs’ own gentleman GM Jim Hendry opened the Tribune’s wallet like a drunken conventioneer on a three-day bender during the off season. Now, with the fragrance of euphoria wafting the rafters of HoHoKam Park, looms the prospect of an unhappy Z.

Like he needs any more emotion. Well, maybe in April where he could use a shot of something other than thoughts of warmer days.

Name me three pitchers who’s been more reliable than Zambrano over the past three seasons?

Roy Oswalt, Johann Santana and Barry Zito. And you can probably throw Chris Carpenter in there as well.

Ok. But all have had better supporting casts. And fewer back spasms.

Well, here’s the facts, Jack. Er, Jim. Big Z has 64 wins in a little more than four seasons. Former Boy Wonder Kerry Wood has 71 for his career!

And let’s not forget about the Cubs other wunderkind - Mark Prior - 42 wins in five seasons. Of course, that’s in between head, shoulder, knees and toes problems.

I could go on. But why?

I’m sure the Trib’s accountants have dissected and digested every conceivable Zambrano stat. But no matter how you slice and dice the numbers, the bill’s come due.

So just pay the man, Jim.

Besides, we can use his bat.