7/25 Dog show

Big Z has a new little friend. Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano brought his new dog, a 10-week-old Shar Pei named Little Z, into the clubhouse prior to Saturday’s game. The puppy didn’t seem to respond to Zambrano’s calls or whistles, whether in Spanish or English, but did like treats from the kitchen. The dog also isn’t paper trained, and made a mess on the clubhouse carpet, right in front of a locker occupied by Japanese hitting coach Kyosuke Sasaki. However, Sasaki said it was good luck. Some of the young Cubs players agreed. Former Iowa manager Pat Listach had a dog named Henry who occasionally made a deposit next to a player’s locker. Coincidentally, that player often was called up to the big leagues — which is exactly what happened to Carlos Marmol. However, don’t expect more dogs in the clubhouse.

– Carrie Muskat