SAN FRANCISCO — Carlos Zambrano says he’ll retire next year if he goes through another season like 2009.

Zambrano has been known to change his mind, but he insisted Sunday he was serious.
It all began when Zambrano was asked why he couldn’t pitch all the time the way he did on Friday, when he tossed a two-hit shutout at the Giants.
“It’s been a disappointing season,” he replied. “People say, ’Why can’t you pitch like that all the time?’ It’s not all the time I feel like that.”
Zambrano has one start remaining, Wednesday night, to try to finish in double digits in the win column.
“Look, this is the only season I haven’t won 16 or 18 or 14 games,” he said. “If it happens again next season, two seasons in a row, I’ll quit. Believe me, I’ll quit. I just have to put this behind me.
“A lot of players on this team, it’s been a disappointing year for us, for everybody. The only one who can say it’s been a good season is (Derrek) Lee.”
Wells watch: Randy Wells hasn’t pitched as well as he’d like of late, failing to last six innings in three of his last four starts. Manager Lou Piniella said Wells has had such a nice year that “whatever he does the next time, it’s just a bonus.”
But Wells expects more out of himself, and didn’t like the analogy.
“I hate that,” he said. “I’m not here as a sideshow or a fill-in. I want to stay here and I want to be a part of the rotation next year. ... Hopefully I’m here to pitch for a long time.”
The Cubs wish Wells wouldn’t be so hard on himself.
“It’s the end of the year, he’s thrown a lot of innings, and he’s as competitive as everyone else,” catcher Koyie Hill said. “He wants to be on top of his game every time out there. So him shouldering all the blame is what good guys are going to do.”
Extra innings: The Kansas City Star quoted unnamed Royals officials as strenuously denying any interest in acquiring Milton Bradley. The Royals attempted to acquire Bradley in 2006. ... Lee (neck) and Kevin Gregg (ribs) are expected to be available Tuesday.