The Cubs have designated right-handers Justin Berg and Brian Schlitter for assignment, tweets Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. In a corresponding move, Carlos Zambrano has been placed back on the club's 40-man roster.
Zambrano was placed on the disqualified list on August 13 following a tirade following a rough start against the Braves and then shut down for the season after that 30-day suspension was up. The MLBPA has a pending grievance on Zambrano's behalf looking to recoup some of the approximately $3MM in salary that Zambrano lost, since players aren't paid for their time on the disqualified list. Zambrano is owed $18MM in 2012 and, as MLBTR's Tim Dierkes explored in August, the Cubs would probably have to absorb another bad contract if they wanted to trade the hurler.
Berg, 27, has made 60 appearances out of the bullpen for the Cubs over the last three seasons, compiling a 4.08 ERA in 64 innings and an even 27 strikeouts to 27 walks.
Schlitter, 25, was drafted by the Phillies in 2007 and came to Chicago in the Scott Eyre deal in August 2008. He has eight Major League innings under his belt, all in 2010, and has a career ERA of 12.38. Schlitter had been on the 60-day disabled list with an elbow injury that kept him in the Cubs organization through the 2011 season. He was picked up on waivers by both the Yankees and Phillies last winter before being returned to Chicago because Major League Baseball judged his elbow to be a pre-existing injury.
Why is zambrano back on…
Because Schlit hit the fan…
Because Z can’t be dealt if he’s on the restricted list, right?
That was my thought.
yep
Zambrano is headed to Florida…
I’m betting Yankee’s. See below.
Zambrano is a gamer. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear Cashman explore a straight up swap for Burnett. Despite their recent issues and results, both these guys are winners in terms of pure stuff. Zambrano has had no direction for years. He wasn’t managed properly. The Yankees have a policy for zero BS, plus with their finances, they could take on the trade and if any issue arises, he’s gone. No second shot.
Burnett on the other hand would be solid pick up for the Cubs. Burnett would do better with NL style hitting as well as the overall speed of the game.
Zambrano is on the hook for $20mm for the 1 year?
Burnett has 2 years and about $32mm left on his deal.
So would Cubs rather be out $20m with no arm or spend $12mm more and get someone who probably slots in easily as a #4, more likely a #3 in the NL? Again what other options would the Cubs have in finding other available pitching and riding themselves of Zambrano all in one offseason?
The idea for the Yankees is to shorten years committed to Burnett and for the Cubs is just “get this freaking guy out of here.” Let’s face it; the guys career is basically on life support. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Zambrano pitch for the Yankee’s and go 18-4 with a sub 3.00 ERA. Despite all his issues the guy is a gamer and that’s the New York Yankee style and market. You come to win. That’s all that guy has ever wanted.
I’ll take 1 year of “what if” versus 2 years of “I already know.”
Zambrano is a whiner. Same pitching coach in ny – same results. Sub 3.00 era in american league? dream on. try 5.45
Alright time for the Miami idea.
Ozzie and Big Z are buddies, always go out to eat after the cross town classic.
Now the marlins are on hook for Rickey Nolasco and he is owed 10 mil. Rumor has it he want out. So i propose this trade:
Marlins acquire Big Z and about 8-10 mil
Cubs get Nolasco!
now how this is good for the Cubs,
Cubs free them self of Big Z sure they have to pay money but they get a Quality #3,(Maybe #2 depending on the off season) pitcher who knows how to strike out guys when in a jam.
How this helps the Marlins,
Marlins get a Potential Ace! If Ozzie can set Big Z straight then perfect #1or #2 guy.
Them money in the deal helps them alot, by giving them more room to make a better offer on C.J. Wilson/Jose Reyes or who ever there targets are this off season.
Would like some feed back, one thing im not sure on is how much $ Big Z makes this year. but other then that i could see this deal go down, but what about you?
Z doesn’t have Ace stuff any more. This isn’t 2006 or 2007.
Nolasco is owed 9 mil next year and 11.5 next. cubs dont need 2 more years of a bad contract. that trade idea wouldnt work. zambrano is owed 18 mil next year. nobody in their right mind would pay more than 5 mil for him. so cubs would have to shell out 13 to 14mil. and marlins would have to hand over money for both years nolasco is owed.
cubs will just trade him for a guy with a bad contract with 1 year left or some nobody in the minors. i hope they trade / release him quickly.
I hope Ricketts moves quickly in hiring a G.M. The Cubs need to get the first pick of available managerial candidates. Sandberg and Alomar will be gone fairly soon.
If the Cubs get a G.M. off the scrap heap, who in turn, hires a retread manager off the scrap heap, the fans will stay away in droves.
Ricketts needs to make a big time hire at G.M., and then get out of the way.
Nolasco is a hot/cold pitcher.In other words inconsistent,but I would rather have him than Zambrano.I am so tired of his antics…