Cubs to shop Zambrano this winter?

**hurdleisu24** · 09-15-2009, 06:58 PM

Cubs To Shop Zambrano This Winter?

By Ben Nicholson-Smith [September 15 at 9:51am CST]
The Cubs plan on shopping Carlos Zambrano this offseason, according to Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune. Citing unnamed sources, Sullivan says the Cubs believe Zambrano would waive his no-trade clause to accept a deal to the right team. The 28-year-old righty jokingly suggested it might be easier to play in another market.
"Maybe if I go to a different city next year, if I get traded, I can do what I want," he said.
Sullivan says the Cubs think they can find a team willing to exchange quality players for Zambrano. The hot-tempered pitcher has at least $53.75MM remaining on his contract, however. He makes more per season than A.J. Burnett, so there's no guarantee that the Cubs would find takers.
This year, Zambrano has a 3.77 ERA in 143.1 innings. He's striking out 7.7 batters per nine innings, but has a characteristically high walk rate of 4.1 batters per nine.
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports pointed out this weekend that the Cubs, Blue Jays and Braves could all shop top pitchers this offseason. The combination of Zambrano, Roy Halladay and Javier Vazquez could be every bit as enticing as this year's crop of free agent pitchers.

**Rogue52** · 09-15-2009, 10:16 PM

Yes, please.

**Swanson10** · 09-15-2009, 10:18 PM

I would like it, but there are only 2 teams that would even consider taking on his contract.

**tidbit** · 09-15-2009, 10:19 PM

Whoever takes him HAS to take Soriano and Bradley.

**ISUAlum2002** · 09-15-2009, 10:22 PM

This will not happen.

**chuckd4735** · 09-15-2009, 10:23 PM

Dumb move, IMO.

**gocubs2118** · 09-15-2009, 10:24 PM

I could go either way on this. He is way overpaid but I would hate to trade him to another team and see him live up to his true potential.

**TarHeelHawk** · 09-15-2009, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by gocubs2118

I could go either way on this. He is way overpaid but I would hate to trade him to another team and see him live up to his true potential.

Bingo. He also has a full no-trade, if I remember right. He may or may not live up to his potential in a Cub uniform, but it would really suck if he did it in say...a Cardinal uniform. A guy like Carlos wouldn't want to leave the NL and would probably want to stay in the division.

**Aclone** · 09-15-2009, 10:44 PM

If the Cubs would eat most of his salary, I'm sure the Cards would take him off their hands for a minor leaguer or two.

Sign and trade DeRosa?

**kingcy** · 09-15-2009, 10:49 PM

Maybe they should shop the rest of the team as well.

**SchuellerClones** · 09-16-2009, 09:04 AM

If they can trade him for an allstar caliber position player and some decent minor leagures...go for it!

I was pushing for Big Z for Robinson Cano at the trade deadline!

**rdubbs** · 09-16-2009, 09:06 AM

Won't happen

**IcSyU** · 09-16-2009, 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by SchuellerClones

I was pushing for Big Z for Robinson Cano at the trade deadline!

There is exactly 0 chance the Yankees would've done that. Zambrano is just another Burnett. Awesome one start, awful the next. Cano is one of the top 2b in the majors. He isn't going anywhere. The front office loves him (as they should).

**DaddyMac** · 09-16-2009, 09:24 AM

Why not - the bullpen is solid... who needs starters?

Lets unload Z's contract... then we can bring in another vet for 10 mil/yr who hits .235 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs.

**IcSyU** · 09-16-2009, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by DaddyMac

Why not - the bullpen is solid... who needs starters?

Lets unload Z's contract... then we can bring in another vet for 10 mil/yr who hits .235 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs.

Even if they trade him, they're either going to have to trade for an astronomical contract, or pick his up. No one will want to absorb that contract.