CHICAGO -- Carlos Zambrano can start planning his annual trip overseas to watch soccer, but first, the Cubs pitcher will sign copies of his new biography.

Zambrano will sign on Wednesday at Libreria Giron, 1443 W. 18th Street, at 5:30 p.m. CT in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood, and on Oct. 23 at Costco, 2746 N. Clybourn Ave., at 6 p.m. CT, for Costco members only.

The English version of the book is titled "The Big Z: The Carlos Zambrano Story," and the Spanish version is, "Como Llego a Ser Grande ... Carlos Zambrano." The book details Zambrano's life, from playing baseball in the streets in Venezuela to signing a $91.5 million contract with the Cubs this season.

On Wednesday, there will be live music, food and entertainment as part of an unofficial "Carlos Zambrano Day in Pilsen."

Zambrano did not get a decision in his only postseason start in Game 1 of the National League Division Series against Arizona, and was to start Sunday on short rest in Game 4. The Diamondbacks, however, swept the Cubs in the best-of-five series, which ended Saturday. Zambrano spent part of Sunday cleaning out his locker.

"This was an OK season for me," said Zambrano, who was 18-13. "Some things happened. Sometimes I was too excited. I have to learn to be calm, more mature."

He doesn't have to be calm watching his other favorite sport, soccer. Zambrano will spend part of November in Italy, watching matches.

He had a tough time on Saturday night after the Cubs were eliminated.

"I want to win," he said. "I want to win in this city so bad."

Congrats: Tennessee right-handed pitcher Mark Holliman was recognized by MiLB.com for the best Double-A single game performance. Holliman threw a seven-inning no-hitter June 21, facing one over the minimum number of batters. He also hit a two-run homer to lead the Smokies to a 3-0 victory over Huntsville.

Holliman finished the season 10-11 with a 3.57 ERA in 27 games, striking out 108 over 161 1/3 innings.

Mail call: The Cubs Mailbag will run on Mondays in the offseason, with the next one scheduled for Oct. 15.

Send in your questions and please include your full name and hometown.

Extra bases: As they did last year, Cubs athletic trainer Mark O'Neal and strength and conditioning coach Tim Buss will travel extensively this offseason to check on players and their workout programs. ... Mark your calendar: The Cubs Convention will be Jan. 18-20, 2008, at the Hilton Chicago. A limited number of weekend passes will go on sale Nov. 7 at 10 a.m. CT on Cubs.com. ... Baseball's Winter Meetings will be Dec. 2-6. ... Ted Lilly said he can use losing his composure in Game 2 of the NLDS as motivation this offseason. "Personally, I didn't end [the season] on a high note in any way," Lilly said. "It's one game that will leave a sour taste in my mouth. I'm sure when Spring Training rolls around, I'll be excited about the new year."