Page "Chicago Cubs" Paragraph 51

Milton Bradley was traded to Seattle in the off-season, and was replaced by Marlon Byrd and Xavier Nady as Lou Piniella entered his fourth season with the team.

The Cubs were expected to contend with the St. Louis Cardinals for the divisional title.

Rookie Starlin Castro debuted in early May as the starting shortstop.

However, the club played poorly in the early season, finding themselves 10 games under. 500 at the end of June.

In addition, long-time ace Carlos Zambrano was pulled from a game against the White Sox on June 25 after a tirade and shoving match with Derrek Lee, and was suspended indefinitely by Jim Hendry, who called the conduct " unacceptable.