Thread: Zambrano's mother kidnapped

ESPN.com news services
The mother of former major league pitcher Victor Zambrano was kidnapped Sunday in Venezuela, his agent told 1050 ESPN New York's Andrew Marchand.

Peter Greenberg, Zambrano's agent, said Elizabeth Mendez Zambrano was taken by eight armed men on the pitcher's farm in Villa de Cura, which is a half-hour outside of Maracay. Victor is currently pitching with Magallanes in the Venezuelan League.

In Venezuela, which is home to dozens of major leaguers, the families of wealthy athletes are periodically targeted by kidnappers. Colorado Rockies catcher Yorvit Torrealba's son and brother-in-law were released by kidnappers a day after they were abducted in June.

Zambrano last played for the Baltimore Orioles in the major leagues in 2007 but was released in October of that year. In seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Toronto Blue Jays and Orioles, the right-hander went 45-44 with a 4.64 ERA.

In 2004, he was part of the trade that sent Scott Kazmir from the Mets to the Rays.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Originally Posted by Triple Threat

They should have traded Joba's mom instead.