Carlos Zambrano signed a five-year, $91.5MM extension with the Cubs in August of 2007. At the time, I had mixed feelings – the Cubs received a discount in the number of years, but still committed a big salary to a pitcher whose best years were behind him. Talking to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times, Cubs GM Jim Hendry defended the contract yesterday:
"There was nothing wrong with the investment. This guy was an outstanding pitcher in the National League, in the game, for the four or five years before that. And there's no question that the deal was a solid one in the industry. He certainly would have been one of the hotter tickets on the street if that thing went to the end of the season."
Wittenmyer says the Cubs now have an "obvious desire" to unload Zambrano and his remaining $45.4MM. You may recall that the Cubs had a similar obvious desire with Milton Bradley last winter, and they eventually found a match. Hendry may find trading Zambrano a bigger challenge. For the moment, we'll toss aside Z's full no-trade clause.
- Carlos Lee is owed $46.85MM through 2012, his contract matches up quite well with Zambrano's. However, the Cubs don't need an outfielder and Lee has a full no-trade clause this year. It's impossible to imagine Lee and Alfonso Soriano in the same outfield, even though the Cubs liked Lee in the past.
- Aaron Rowand and Edgar Renteria are owed a total of $35.7MM. The Giants would be adding $9.7MM in salary, though that's not a bad price for Zambrano over the next few years. But as far as team needs, this makes little sense for either side.
- Oliver Perez and Luis Castillo are owed a total of $27.6MM. The Mets would be taking on nearly $18MM to own Zambrano through '12 and finally ditch this pair of bad contracts.
- Any deal with the Braves would have to involve Derek Lowe, who is owed $38MM through 2012. I don't see why the Braves would want to make the switch.
- The Indians could match the Cubs' Zambrano commitment almost perfectly with Travis Hafner, Kerry Wood, and Jake Westbrook. It seems pointless, though, and Hafner isn't able to play first base.
- The Royals' three bad contracts – Gil Meche, Jose Guillen, and Kyle Farnsworth - have $27.7MM remaining. It's a poor match, though ESPN's Buster Olney tweets that the Royals are pushing to move Guillen and will eat a lot of dollars.
- One last idea, perhaps the craziest yet. The Yankees owe A.J. Burnett $58.3MM through 2013. Burnett isn't faring well in the second year of his deal, and the Cubs would be taking on almost $13MM to make the swap. The Cubs would assume less than $6MM if they included Derrek Lee, though.
- As you can see, I failed to find a reasonable Zambrano trade scenario involving other overpaid players. Feel free to speculate in the comments.
I’d rather just wait…Renteria is done after this year. Rowand unfortunately has two years left. If the team had any cajones, they’d cut him and eat the cost. Or try to trade him and eat more than majority of the contract and get a hot dog vendor in return.
I agree and I really wish the team would suck it up and release Rowand, with the way he’s been hitting the last few years I don’t think they’d find many takers even if they ate the majority of his contract.
I don’t like the idea of releasing a player with money like that left on a contract. The biggest reason is there is zero chance to get anything positive out of it. Of course, it could be an addition by subtraction type move, but you are still paying the money. Why would you not hope for getting something out of it? Trading Renteria ant Rowand for Zambrano would be a GREAT move for the Giants and it would still be helpful for the Cubs. No matter how much you don’t like Rowand, his teammates do like him. He is good for the moral in the clubhouse. I think the Cubs could really use some of that right about now. Rowand has 36 million due from 2010-2012, Renteria adds up to a total of 9.5 million totalling 45.5 million. Carlos Zambrano is owed 53.75 million from 2010-2012. That is like paying him 8.25 million over 3 years. It is worth it. If he doesn’t work out, then we release him and cut our losses.
I wouldn’t mind that Met trade. They open up 2B for Tejada and Flores and I’d take Zambrano over Perez any day. Plus, Citi Field would likely help Zambrano because he is a flyball pitcher (right?). Maybe being on a contending team would make him feel better as well.
Note: Cubs are liable for any damaged Gatorade coolers if that deal happens.
Zambrano is most certainly not a flyball pitcher. His out pitch (and, any more, his only plus pitch) is his hard sinker.
Zambrano is most certainly not a flyball pitcher. His out pitch (and, any more, his only plus pitch) is his hard sinker.
Ah, my mistake. Well, the Mets IF defense is very good, so that could help him.
Ah, my mistake. Well, the Mets IF defense is very good, so that could help him.
Beat me to it… touche lol
Beat me to it… touche lol
Zambrano is a sinkerballer.
Zambrano is a sinkerballer.
The most reasonable sounding one is definitely the Mets trade, with the Cubs kicking in maybe 3 million, though I don’t think that would be necessary.
Funny enough, I was thinking about the Burnett scenario the other night, too. But I’d rather take my chances with Burnett, who has had his success the last few years in the AL.
Flores is never going to play 2b. He’s already too big for SS at 6’4.
So why can’t he play 2B? Hanley is only an inch shorter and he plays SS.
Shortstops can be taller. Flores is a well below average SS defensively and there’s nothing about his body that lends itself to remaining in the infield once he reaches the major leagues. If you’re looking for second base options in the minors it’s Reese Havens.
Shortstops can be taller. Flores is a well below average SS defensively and there’s nothing about his body that lends itself to remaining in the infield once he reaches the major leagues. If you’re looking for second base options in the minors it’s Reese Havens.
Do you spell your name Fallacy with a capital F or with Ph?
Who cares about size? Dustin Pedroia and Hanley Ramirez don’t.
Dustin Pedroia is small. That’s a good thing when playing second base.
Hanley Ramirez is a bad defensive SS.
There’s not a single scouting report that claims Flores can stick at short, nevertheless 2b, where he’s never played a single game in the minors. He’s got 16 errors in 69 game this year.
And as for you suggesting that i’m a phillies fan, you couldnt be more wrong. I’m a huge Mets fan….just a reasonable one.
Dustin Pedroia is small. That’s a good thing when playing second base.
Hanley Ramirez is a bad defensive SS.
There’s not a single scouting report that claims Flores can stick at short, nevertheless 2b, where he’s never played a single game in the minors. He’s got 16 errors in 69 game this year.
And as for you suggesting that i’m a phillies fan, you couldnt be more wrong. I’m a huge Mets fan….just a reasonable one.
Don’t see him playing 2b, but plenty of big shortstops have been around: Ripken 6’4, Jeter 6’3, A-Rod 6’3, Hanley 6’3, etc
Gil Meche isn’t a “bad contract”, at least Royals fans don’t view him that way..
When comparing his contract and level of production to some of the other contracts on the team, I can see why some Royals fans don’t view him that way.
I was going to post the same thing: Meche has been OK and Farnsworth has been decent in his low leverage role this summer.
If the Cubs want to move Z and will eat a huge pile of cash I think this one could be worked out, but it wouldn’t be a trade of “bad” contracts in the traditional sense. EDIT: it’d be a matter of finding ways to get enough money to KC to pay Z more than anything else. It’d be a hard thing to do, and so isn’t likely, but KC wouldn’t be trading bad contracts for him. (What was my point?)
Personally, I’d rather the Cubs just release him or arrange some sort of buyout.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that happening. Maybe trade Zambrano and Derrek Lee for Todd Helton/any other contracts the Rockies don’t want? The Rockies have a strong enough clubhouse to take in a guy like Z and rehab him. D-Lee is a clubhouse guy who can hit and still projects (I think) as a type-A free agent. The Cubs would still have to absorb some salary but it isn’t the craziest thing ever…
Todd Helton is going to retire a Rockie.
lol, for Todd Helton… hmmmmm, maybe for Jeter?
Probably true, I just feel like they need more from 1B to really compete in the playoffs. Sentiments aside, Lee would be better for them in that aspect.
Probably true, I just feel like they need more from 1B to really compete in the playoffs. Sentiments aside, Lee would be better for them in that aspect.
Lilly deal makes more sense for the Mets really, here was my take on a possible deal over the weekend and what I had to say about possible landing spots at Baseball Press…
“One option could see Carlos heading to Baltimore for Brian Roberts (owed $35 million through 2013). Roberts health is a huge question mark, but Jim Hendry likes Roberts and has made bids to acquire him before. Add into the equation that Hendry and former Cubs CEO/President over Hendry, now Orioles’ GM Andy McPhail have a very good personal and professional relationship, and McPhail seems to have a loyalty to players that he brought into the majors, and Big Z is one of them.
The second option is the Braves sending their mistake signing of the older Derek Lowe (owed $37.5 million through 2012) to Chicago. The only way this deal would happen is if Atlanta sees that much more upside in Zambrano, but this deal is more unlikely than the Roberts deal.
Finally, the deal that I see most probable and has a real chance of happening would be sending Zambrano to the New York Mets. Mets’ GM Omar Minaya has been on record saying he is impressed with what Carlos is capable of, the Mets are known buyers for pitching and Zambrano would be more than a 2 month rental, which is what they would get with other pitchers acquired in a trade. A packaged deal of sending Zambrano, Ryan Theriot and $3-5 million in cash to the Mets for Oliver Perez (owed $18 million through 2011) and Luis Castillo (owed $9 million through 2011) would accomplish goals for both teams and be enough both ways to get a deal done. The Cubs are really on the losing end talent wise, but the money and years difference would make the trade worth while.”
I also had a paragraph on a possible Carlos Lee deal, but I just don’t see why the Astros would pick up an overpriced pitcher for an overpriced OF. They don’t have anyone in the system that Lee is really blocking.
You may be on to something with the Roberts – Zambrano swap. The Cubs and Orioles like to trade and Roberts name has come up several times. However, I would guess that Zambrano would exercise his no-trade clause to stay away from the bottom of the barrel in the AL Beast.
AND Ryan Theriot?
I was thinking the other way — that the Mets would have to add another player
Don’t worry, Mets fans don’t want Theriot either. He’d just be another mediocre player blocking the development of Ruben Tejada.
Don’t worry, Mets fans don’t want Theriot either. He’d just be another mediocre player blocking the development of Ruben Tejada.
AND Ryan Theriot?
I was thinking the other way — that the Mets would have to add another player
Especially if Ryan Theriot is involved somehow… the O’s could use a shortstop something awful.
Especially if Ryan Theriot is involved somehow… the O’s could use a shortstop something awful.
I’d rather keep Zambrano and pray that he gets his stuff together than take on Perez AND Castillo, give up a few million WITH Theriot. Leave him in the pen until he can get it together.
Ryan Theriot just isn’t a good player. Maybe people would’ve thought he was good in the days where no one knew about OBP or SLG%. No one wants Ryan Theriot. I think the Roberts deal is the most likely one because he seems like a player Hendry likes. I think the Cubs might need to send a couple high ceiling prospects Baltimore’s way though, since Roberts hit 60 doubles just a year ago; still very productive.
Ryan Theriot would immediately be the best everyday SS the O’s have had since Tejada held that spot, and since Ripken, Bordick is the only Oriole SS who has been better. Theriot certainly isn’t a star but as an honest to goodness starting SS, he’d be a huge improvement over the black hole of suck Baltimore typically has.
Theriot has been below replacement level this season though…because he hasn’t walked, hit for power, or played good defense. In the past he’s been pretty good though, so maybe the Orioles feel like he could return to the days where he had an above average shortstop OPS. So you could be right that the Orioles could use him, but the Mets have a better option in Ruben Tejada, as do most other teams.
Yeah, he’s been rough this year. But just last year, he ranked between Jimmy Rollins and Alexei Ramirez in WAR, and the year before, he was between Yunel Escobar and Miguel Tejada. I wouldn’t sign the guy to a fat deal or anything, but he’s got a very good chance of being worth more than he’s paid through 2012, his last year of team control.
I am all for trading AJ right away. However, the Yankees don’t need the Zambrano distraction. Perhaps a 3- or 4-way deal could be worked out incorporating the Astros and Angels?
Yankees get Oswalt
Cubs get Burnett
Angels get Lee
Astros get Zambrano, cash, and prospects from Angels and Yankees
… might need some work but seems to start down the right path
Yeah….no. You basically just said “Yanks get the only good player, everyone else gets the shaft”
The Astros are trying to rebuild. Why would they take on a contract that’s as horrid as Big Z’s. Hell, why would they take Big Z period? To get some prospects from the Angels and Yanks? Neither team would be willing to send anything of value.
You may be right … Zambrano may have no place on the ‘stros during a rebuilding effort. But, who is going to come out to watch the team if there isn’t a legitimate #1 on the staff?
And, everyone mentioned was a household name at the beginning of the season. Sometimes, a change of address is all that’s needed to return to form.
The Angels and Yankees both have decent enough prospects to pique the interests of the Astros.
Your point about “who’s going to watch without a #1 on the team?” is exactly the reason why the Astros are in such a mess right now. They’ve continually traded away prospects for veterans to try and continue fielding a mediocre team that “might” do well. They’ve always been looking for the playoffs and refused to admit they need to rebuild. Thus, they still have players like Berkman and Oswalt stuck on this team because of the reasoning that their fans would prefer to continually see a team that COULD do well. To rebuild, they need to reject that plan completely. Oswalt needs to be dealt for YOUNG, CHEAP talent. If the Yanks were offered Oswalt for Burnett plus prospects, they would LEAP at that chance. Conversely, Astros couldn’t possibly be interested in dealing with Zambrano’s attitude and contract and age, while only getting a few lower-grade prospects. Doesn’t make sense.
The idea won’t work because it doesn’t address the needs of the respective teams.
— The Angels might need a 1st baseman. Derek Lee might be a fit. But right now Lee has negative equity. The Cubs would need to cover a significant portion of his contract and even then they wouldn’t receive anything in return that has value.
— The Yankees would probably take Oswalt over Burnett. If that was the whole deal then yes the Yanks would be in. Of course, that’s a horrible deal for the Astros who need to be shedding payroll.
— The Cubs should be moving Zambrano and Lee (and Soriano and Fukudome, etc, etc) but that’s a lot easier said than done. Both Z and Lee have upside down contracts. Lee’s isn’t such a big deal because he will be off the books after the season. Zambrano though looks to be a huge albatross.
The idea won’t work because it doesn’t address the needs of the respective teams.
— The Angels might need a 1st baseman. Derek Lee might be a fit. But right now Lee has negative equity. The Cubs would need to cover a significant portion of his contract and even then they wouldn’t receive anything in return that has value.
— The Yankees would probably take Oswalt over Burnett. If that was the whole deal then yes the Yanks would be in. Of course, that’s a horrible deal for the Astros who need to be shedding payroll.
— The Cubs should be moving Zambrano and Lee (and Soriano and Fukudome, etc, etc) but that’s a lot easier said than done. Both Z and Lee have upside down contracts. Lee’s isn’t such a big deal because he will be off the books after the season. Zambrano though looks to be a huge albatross.
Lee’s enormous expiring contract is going to be a problem?
Lee’s enormous expiring contract is going to be a problem?
Yeah…as a Yankee fan i like that scenario…but multi team deals are hard to pull off…plus i think A.J. has a no trade clause…
Yeah…as a Yankee fan i like that scenario…but multi team deals are hard to pull off…plus i think A.J. has a no trade clause…
well you can bet that if carlos went to Ny he would never have a temper tantrum… there are simply too many egos in that club house (that can actually back it up unlike the recent bigz) Arod would never let carlos call him out like that, jeter would just laugh…swisher would go nuts on him(he is truly crazy) Mo would try to take him aside and say, dude your on the yankees now STOP) jorge would not catch for him and say the same thing as MO, tex wuld probably say something like “who do you think you are? how many rings do you have kncok it off bitch” and joe would call him out every day…the yankees would be a good place for him but not for AJ
Carlos for Javier…
Aj is a big game pitcher and is falling on hard times now but still an all around good pitcher….javier will crash in the play off like he always does, and he gets to move back to the NL where he was clearly better plus its only what a one year thing for the cubs so they get picks for him and the yankees dont really care about money
and anyone who has had character issues that has gone to the yankees cleaned up their act fast….swisher and arod example
Off topic, but whatever: I can’t wait until A.J. Burnett starts pitching well again and all this media and idiotic fan driven garbage is a thing of the past.
He’s having a (REALLY) bad month. That’s allowed to happen.
If you look at his career statistics, he’s really just slightly above average. While he can usually handle himself in the AL East, it may be time for a change of scenery.
The Yankees would love to have the AJ with the 95 mph rising fastball and 12-to-6 curve for strikes. But, that guy has been replaced by someone throwing cement-mixers and missing in the strike-zone. He’s entitled to slump but, what if this lasts more than a month and a half? Explore a trade while he’s still a brand name …
Agreed … Burnett has always been a guy that was more impressive in scouting reports than in results. While he isn’t as bad as he has shown lately he’s a #3 starter at best. That’s not normally a problem except he is paid like a #1.
I agree wholeheartedly that he is overpaid and “slightly above average” but I don’t think he needs to be moved or even if he can be moved. Who would want a Jekyll and Hyde pitcher that is, as you say, paid like a number one? Who could or would want to even afford that?
My guess is he’s “stuck” on the Yankees just as Zambrano is with the cubs. I don’t mind that though. I’m still happy for what he did in Game 2 in the world series. As long as Good AJ does that when games actually matter, I’m perfectly fine weathering Bad AJ when he comes around. (You could call him Putrid AJ right now though. YEEEESH).
I agree wholeheartedly that he is overpaid and “slightly above average” but I don’t think he needs to be moved or even if he can be moved. Who would want a Jekyll and Hyde pitcher that is, as you say, paid like a number one? Who could or would want to even afford that?
My guess is he’s “stuck” on the Yankees just as Zambrano is with the cubs. I don’t mind that though. I’m still happy for what he did in Game 2 in the world series. As long as Good AJ does that when games actually matter, I’m perfectly fine weathering Bad AJ when he comes around. (You could call him Putrid AJ right now though. YEEEESH).
Agreed … Burnett has always been a guy that was more impressive in scouting reports than in results. While he isn’t as bad as he has shown lately he’s a #3 starter at best. That’s not normally a problem except he is paid like a #1.
Mariners. They’re already paying for a babysitter for Milton Bradley, and they get a discount for the second kid.
Zambrano is a sinker ball (ground ball pitcher).
What about Zambrano to the White Sox? He did have dinner with Guillen after this all happened. They are friends!.
Zambrano for one of Linebrink/Putz/Thornton
AHA! I’ve found the source of his bad temper! It’s Ozzie! *cue dramatic bum-bum-buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmm*
/sarcasm.
Ozzie may be the only guy to control Zambrano, but no way.
First, where would they even put Z? He’s been trending downwards and is not good enough for the Sox starting rotation. That is WAY to much money to commit to a reliever with serious temper/anger issues. Second, why would the Sox be so stupid to trade Thornton, one of the best left handed relievers in baseball, for a troubled, mental midget, headcase in Zambrano?
Ozzie may be the only guy to control Zambrano, but no way.
First, where would they even put Z? He’s been trending downwards and is not good enough for the Sox starting rotation. That is WAY to much money to commit to a reliever with serious temper/anger issues. Second, why would the Sox be so stupid to trade Thornton, one of the best left handed relievers in baseball, for a troubled, mental midget, headcase in Zambrano?
Well there’s no way that the Indians would trade you 2 guys that is going to bring back at least 4 to 5 Lower level prospects within the next month.
Everybody is on Woods tail but he is 6 for 8 in saves and one of the games he ended up witha blown save his infield kicked to ball all over the place. Has he pitched like the Wood of old No he hasn’t, is he over paid this year? Yes he is by about 2 to 3 Mil for a closer with his track record. But he has shown signs of getting his act together.
Now if the Cubs would pick up about 20 mil of that contract I would sent them a couple lower level prospects and take Carlos and half his contract back.
Ps the word is now that Hafner is totally healed from his surgeries the Indians in the Offseason and spring training will have him work at first again so he will be able to back up Laporta at 1st and play some 1st base during the interleague play next year. Plus this will also go along way if he continues to hit in increasing his trade value.
Also The Indians will hold onto Westbrook until the last second waiting on what they feel is the best trade value for him. I expect that the Indians will end up with a C+ or B level prospect as the center piece of a Westbrook deal and a couple of lower level cusp prospects in return IMO.
Another reason the Indians would never make that deal is $$$. Wood and Westbrook’s big contracts come off the books at the end of this year. While Hafner’s sticks around it is nothing compared to the amount Big Z would be owed over future years.
Now if the Cubs were willing to pick up half that contract The indians may be interested, but I would want Archer back as part of the deal that we sent to them for DeRosa – Trading Archer was a hugh mistake.
Archer looks like a beast right now. As much as Cub fans hated that DeRosa deal, Archer alone may make it more than worthwhile. I’d rather keep him even if it means having to release Z outright.
Archer looks like a beast right now. As much as Cub fans hated that DeRosa deal, Archer alone may make it more than worthwhile. I’d rather keep him even if it means having to release Z outright.
Now if the Cubs were willing to pick up half that contract The indians may be interested, but I would want Archer back as part of the deal that we sent to them for DeRosa – Trading Archer was a hugh mistake.
Another reason the Indians would never make that deal is $$$. Wood and Westbrook’s big contracts come off the books at the end of this year. While Hafner’s sticks around it is nothing compared to the amount Big Z would be owed over future years.
Stupid computer, double post. Go Indians.
Stupid computer, double post. Go Indians.
Carlos Lee has played a handful of games at 1B in his career and Derrek Lee is a FA (and a trade candidate himself) so I wouldn’t completely rule out a Carlos Lee for Zambrano deal, though if I’m the Astros, I wouldn’t do it.
Zambrano’s problems go well beyond his temper tantrums. He’s nowhere near the pitcher he was 3-4 years ago. At best, he’s now a back end rotation type.
Lee has a no-trade deal, and a ranch local. He ain’t moving nowhere….
Lee has a no-trade deal, and a ranch local. He ain’t moving nowhere….
I don’t know if I would go as far as to say he’s a BOR pitcher. I think he’s still solid enough (as far as his “stuff”) to be a #2 or #3. It seems that reigning in his emotions is a bigger problem than his pitching ability.
I don’t know if I would go as far as to say he’s a BOR pitcher. I think he’s still solid enough (as far as his “stuff”) to be a #2 or #3. It seems that reigning in his emotions is a bigger problem than his pitching ability.
My first thought was Vernon Wells. Are the Jays now content with his contract and level of production? Not that the Jays necessarily need pitching.
Not only do the Jays not need pitching, but the spots in the starting rotation are currently in high demand with about 6-8 pitchers *qualified and vying to get back into it. [Currently: Marcum, Romero, Morrow, Cecil, Litsch. Those looking in or healing: Rzep., Tallet, Richmond, Mills, Ray].
Maybe if the Jays really felt they wanted to unload a bunch of cash the could take Z. stick him in the bullpen or eat a bunch of his contract and DFA or trade low (and then count themselves millions of dollars up on having unloaded VW’s backloaded contract).
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is a bad deal.
Also Vernon is having an Allstar caliber year…so who knows where his value stands now.
Like I said it was just the first name that popped in my head. It could be an opportunity for them to unload that contract. I guess it just depends on if you believe he can sustain this level of performance for the next 4 years. He is having a great year though. He does have a full no trade clause as well to note.
Like I said it was just the first name that popped in my head. It could be an opportunity for them to unload that contract. I guess it just depends on if you believe he can sustain this level of performance for the next 4 years. He is having a great year though. He does have a full no trade clause as well to note.
We’ll see the White Sox claim him off waivers in a few months
Also Vernon is having an Allstar caliber year…so who knows where his value stands now.
Not only do the Jays not need pitching, but the spots in the starting rotation are currently in high demand with about 6-8 pitchers *qualified and vying to get back into it. [Currently: Marcum, Romero, Morrow, Cecil, Litsch. Those looking in or healing: Rzep., Tallet, Richmond, Mills, Ray].
Maybe if the Jays really felt they wanted to unload a bunch of cash the could take Z. stick him in the bullpen or eat a bunch of his contract and DFA or trade low (and then count themselves millions of dollars up on having unloaded VW’s backloaded contract).
I guess what I am trying to say is that it is a bad deal.
Not saying Wells is worth what he is paid, but swapping out a guy who already has 19 homers for a guy who “sometimes” wins 14 games in the NL Central dosen’t make a lot of sense
Because wins are good indicators of a pitcher’s performance, right?
Because wins are good indicators of a pitcher’s performance, right?
Not saying Wells is worth what he is paid, but swapping out a guy who already has 19 homers for a guy who “sometimes” wins 14 games in the NL Central dosen’t make a lot of sense
The Orioles can put together a package of Brian Roberts – 3.5yrs/$35M & Mike Gonzalez – 1.5yr/$9M for a combined $44 million. I’m not sure if Carlos Zambrano can live up to the contract at this point, but Baltimore will not be able to throw enough free agent dollars to land pitching in that division. This would be a great project for the next coaching staff. Let’s not forget the biggest selling point for Andy MacPhail, Zambrano would be a former Cub.
The Orioles can put together a package of Brian Roberts – 3.5yrs/$35M & Mike Gonzalez – 1.5yr/$9M for a combined $44 million. I’m not sure if Carlos Zambrano can live up to the contract at this point, but Baltimore will not be able to throw enough free agent dollars to land pitching in that division. This would be a great project for the next coaching staff. Let’s not forget the biggest selling point for Andy MacPhail, Zambrano would be a former Cub.
double post noob
double post noob
Trade him to the Phils for Lidge, Ibanez, and Moyer. Money is about the same and it frees up cash short term for the Phils to resign Werth while opening a spot for Domonic Brown.
Not sure it would be such a smart idea for the Phillies to TRADE AWAY relief pitching
I think Tim just made the perfect argument of how the cubs will be unable to move Z unless they eat alot of the contract and accept little prospects in return.
Hmm…great idea on adding Lee with Big Z to the Yanks…
Aren’t these the two who almost were brawling in the dugout…BRILLIANT!!!
Finding the right team to trade will almost include Chicago sending cash with Z. They are not going to get any high end prospects for Z, but the Cleveland scenerio seems intriguing. If they pulled off this deal then they could send Lee to Anaheim for a descent prospect. I think a change of scenery would do Hafner some good and he would be good at Wrigley, offensively speaking. I think Wood wouldn’t argue about coming back to the Cubs and Westbrook would be lightyears better than Z.
Finding the right team to trade will almost include Chicago sending cash with Z. They are not going to get any high end prospects for Z, but the Cleveland scenerio seems intriguing. If they pulled off this deal then they could send Lee to Anaheim for a descent prospect. I think a change of scenery would do Hafner some good and he would be good at Wrigley, offensively speaking. I think Wood wouldn’t argue about coming back to the Cubs and Westbrook would be lightyears better than Z.
Giants would never take Zambrano for team chemistry reasons
Giants would never take Zambrano for team chemistry reasons
My heart likes the Indians deal, but my head doesn’t like any of them. I think the best thing to do may be to just hold him out for a week or two, bring him back in a bullpen role for the rest of this lost season, and then have him fight for a rotation spot next year.
Of course, the other option is to send him to AAA as a 1b, and see how he could do with 500 AB’s. Might be worth it to let DLee walk at the end of the year and replace him with Z. At the very least I’m sure we’d get more power out of that position.
First base is not that easy to play. Most of the people that slide in there have occasionally played there in their careers going back to high school. Z’s a pitcher he’d have to pick it up on the fly.
Actually Z was a 1B growing up, he didn’t pick up pitching until almost HS age, and even then still played 1B some, b/c he wanted to play so bad
Hmm… Well it still will take him a bit to work on his scoops and such. But knowing that it’s a lot faster changeover then.
Hmm… Well it still will take him a bit to work on his scoops and such. But knowing that it’s a lot faster changeover then.
First base is not that easy to play. Most of the people that slide in there have occasionally played there in their careers going back to high school. Z’s a pitcher he’d have to pick it up on the fly.
My heart likes the Indians deal, but my head doesn’t like any of them. I think the best thing to do may be to just hold him out for a week or two, bring him back in a bullpen role for the rest of this lost season, and then have him fight for a rotation spot next year.
Of course, the other option is to send him to AAA as a 1b, and see how he could do with 500 AB’s. Might be worth it to let DLee walk at the end of the year and replace him with Z. At the very least I’m sure we’d get more power out of that position.
Keep Z. Remind him that he’s a grownup. I think everyone is making too much of this. He’s not drinking and taking drugs and shooting people. He’s yelled at people and beat up a few gatorade containers.
Zambrano is a problem, but he’s not the only guy in baseball with anger issues.
The Cubs don’t need to give up on every gifted player with a short fuse, just get a manager with enough left in the tank to manage a guy like Zambrano.
Lou Piniella has a great history, but in the last 7 years he’s 498-546.
The Cubs don’t need the balls to eat Zambrano’s contract, they need the balls to fire Lou.
Zambrano is a problem, but he’s not the only guy in baseball with anger issues.
The Cubs don’t need to give up on every gifted player with a short fuse, just get a manager with enough left in the tank to manage a guy like Zambrano.
Lou Piniella has a great history, but in the last 7 years he’s 498-546.
The Cubs don’t need the balls to eat Zambrano’s contract, they need the balls to fire Lou.
McLouth and Kawakami for Zambrano. McLouth is set to make 9 mil next year, Kawakami about 8.
Hey mister, McLouth is going to make 6.5, not ‘about 8’.
Zambrano has 45 mill let on his contract, McLouth and Kawikami: 14.75. I’m no math major…..
According to Cot’s, KK will be $6.67 in 11, Nate is $6.5. My bad.
Hey mister, McLouth is going to make 6.5, not ‘about 8’.
Zambrano has 45 mill let on his contract, McLouth and Kawikami: 14.75. I’m no math major…..
McLouth and Kawakami for Zambrano. McLouth is set to make 9 mil next year, Kawakami about 8.
The Mets scenario seems most likely though it seems like a huge win for the Mets. Perhaps the Cubs could dump Fukudome in that deal as well somehow? Not sure how much $ the Mets can take on but clearing two bad contracts for two other bad contract who are more productive might be enough to entice them. Cubs probably have to kick in some cash in that scenario but without crunching the numbers I don’t really have any idea if/how much it would take. Anyone? Can the Mets count on Beltran the rest of the year when he comes back? Would they be willing to start Frenchy the rest of the year if Beltran can’t play? Is Fukudome redundant with Pagan on the roster?
Either way you have to feel the Mets would be a better team and the Cubs would get a jump on rebuilding, though I’d rather they try to deal for prospects rather than dumping bad salary for more bad salary. Can’t see them being better off in the long run otherwise. If they’re going to essentially pay Z’s salary anyway why take back large contracts, why not get good prospects instead?
The Mets scenario seems most likely though it seems like a huge win for the Mets. Perhaps the Cubs could dump Fukudome in that deal as well somehow? Not sure how much $ the Mets can take on but clearing two bad contracts for two other bad contract who are more productive might be enough to entice them. Cubs probably have to kick in some cash in that scenario but without crunching the numbers I don’t really have any idea if/how much it would take. Anyone? Can the Mets count on Beltran the rest of the year when he comes back? Would they be willing to start Frenchy the rest of the year if Beltran can’t play? Is Fukudome redundant with Pagan on the roster?
Either way you have to feel the Mets would be a better team and the Cubs would get a jump on rebuilding, though I’d rather they try to deal for prospects rather than dumping bad salary for more bad salary. Can’t see them being better off in the long run otherwise. If they’re going to essentially pay Z’s salary anyway why take back large contracts, why not get good prospects instead?
If I were the Cubs, I’d hold onto him. None of those trade possibilities interest me. The Mets one might be the most interesting because you only have Perez under contract next year and when he’s motivated by money, the guy tends to show up.
Still, he’s horrible and basically out of baseball.
To the Yankees for AJ would never happen. The Yankees still believe in AJ. He won a WS game for them last year. They’d put him in the bullpen to work out his problems before they’d trade him for Zambrano.
The Indians deal would be the best for the Cubs right now, but I don’t see the Indians doing that and taking Zambrano. What’s in it for them?
The most mutual situation is the Mets and Oliver Perez. I think Omar is dumb enough to push for this deal since he wouldn’t have to surrender talent.
If the Cubs want out so bad, they’re going to have to take a player like Perez to get out.
I’d still hold onto Zambrano and work on fixing what the issues are. Unless the Cubs think Zambrano’s best years are behind him or he was a product of PED’s and this is the fall from that.
If that’s the case, take Ollie Perez who you can get rid of next year, throw in a couple of bucks and thank your lucky stars.
If I were the Cubs, I’d hold onto him. None of those trade possibilities interest me. The Mets one might be the most interesting because you only have Perez under contract next year and when he’s motivated by money, the guy tends to show up.
Still, he’s horrible and basically out of baseball.
To the Yankees for AJ would never happen. The Yankees still believe in AJ. He won a WS game for them last year. They’d put him in the bullpen to work out his problems before they’d trade him for Zambrano.
The Indians deal would be the best for the Cubs right now, but I don’t see the Indians doing that and taking Zambrano. What’s in it for them?
The most mutual situation is the Mets and Oliver Perez. I think Omar is dumb enough to push for this deal since he wouldn’t have to surrender talent.
If the Cubs want out so bad, they’re going to have to take a player like Perez to get out.
I’d still hold onto Zambrano and work on fixing what the issues are. Unless the Cubs think Zambrano’s best years are behind him or he was a product of PED’s and this is the fall from that.
If that’s the case, take Ollie Perez who you can get rid of next year, throw in a couple of bucks and thank your lucky stars.
To think, the White Sox were said to be considering swapping Jake Peavy for this clown in the offseason. Thank goodness that didn’t happen.
To think, the White Sox were said to be considering swapping Jake Peavy for this clown in the offseason. Thank goodness that didn’t happen.
Couldn’t the Cubs kick in some prospects in addition to taking on a medium-bad contract, kinda like they did with Aaron Miles when they packaged Jake Fox with him? Perhaps Zambrano plus 2 high upside guys for the struggling Randy Wolfe? Just speculating on the example.
I see the Dodgers and Mets as the best two destinations for Zambrano. The Dodgers can give up Sherrill and a low prospect like Elbert or Haeger (if they still control his rights). The Mets can give up Luis Castillo, Oliver Perez and maybe a backup outfielder like Chris C. Carter. Either way, the poor Cubbies have to pay almost all of the salary difference to get a taker. If I am the Doders, I would do it, because otherwise ownership will not give them the dollars to obtain a frontline pitcher this season.
The Cubs are stuck with him. No takers, too much of a time bomb. Like the Angels and Gary Matthews, Jr. for Brian Stokes, they may have to consider it a bad contract, eat up his money and give him away of receiving a throw-in.
more then likely the cubs are stuck with him…i dont see any other bad contract situations that make sense and the few that are out there are with bad teams looking to ditch cash.big z’s attitude problems removes him from any serious contenders.Especially with lee and oswalt both available,only shot of a trade would be with a 500ish team who thinks they might contend this year but even then the cubs would have to eat probably half the contract and accept some mid level prospects at best, probably not happening this is looking like another bradley drama again that will go on for the rest of the year.And d lee isnt going anywhere a no trade clause, loves cubs and is a good clubhouse guy well respected,plus he is struggling.
Its’ amazing the mindless articles written on the net.
Carlos Lee can’t hit or field and has already hinted on retirement. Wood is done, and Rowand and Renteria suck. The Giants will pay 9 million more for a headache that’s an overrated pitcher?
Hafner is a DH and cant’ field; where will you put him? Wood and Westbrook are not good.
The only one that makes half sense is the KC deal but why would KC want him? Jose Guillen is a toxic personality that is an underrated player but a jerk worse than Zambrano; this is his third team that’s willing to unload him.
Think before you make mindless suggestions. this is ridiculous
Its’ amazing the mindless articles written on the net.
Carlos Lee can’t hit or field and has already hinted on retirement. Wood is done, and Rowand and Renteria suck. The Giants will pay 9 million more for a headache that’s an overrated pitcher?
Hafner is a DH and cant’ field; where will you put him? Wood and Westbrook are not good.
The only one that makes half sense is the KC deal but why would KC want him? Jose Guillen is a toxic personality that is an underrated player but a jerk worse than Zambrano; this is his third team that’s willing to unload him.
Think before you make mindless suggestions. this is ridiculous
Its’ amazing the mindless articles written on the net.
Carlos Lee can’t hit or field and has already hinted on retirement. Wood is done, and Rowand and Renteria suck. The Giants will pay 9 million more for a headache that’s an overrated pitcher?
Hafner is a DH and cant’ field; where will you put him? Wood and Westbrook are not good.
The only one that makes half sense is the KC deal but why would KC want him? Jose Guillen is a toxic personality that is an underrated player but a jerk worse than Zambrano; this is his third team that’s willing to unload him.
Think before you make mindless suggestions. this is ridiculous
Its’ amazing the mindless articles written on the net.
Carlos Lee can’t hit or field and has already hinted on retirement. Wood is done, and Rowand and Renteria suck. The Giants will pay 9 million more for a headache that’s an overrated pitcher?
Hafner is a DH and cant’ field; where will you put him? Wood and Westbrook are not good.
The only one that makes half sense is the KC deal but why would KC want him? Jose Guillen is a toxic personality that is an underrated player but a jerk worse than Zambrano; this is his third team that’s willing to unload him.
Think before you make mindless suggestions. this is ridiculous