That headline is not a typo. The Chicago Cubs may have actually found a trading partner willing to take on Carlos Zambrano--the volatile, yet talented right-hander--and actually get something in return. According to a report by Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal, the Cubs are nearing a deal to send Zambrano to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Chris Volstad.
Zambrano has presented quite an conundrum for the Cubs the past few seasons. He has been suspended in the past for confrontations with teammates and last pitched on Aug. 12, but was suspended for the remainder of the season after the start because he cleaned out his locker and left the team after surrendering five home runs.
He is also entering the last year of a five-year $88.5 million contract, and is due $18 million next season. Last season's 9-7 record with a 4.82 ERA definitely does not warrant that chunk of change.
However, when healthy--both mentally and physically--Zambrano has the potential to be one of the league's best pitchers. He broke into the big leagues as a 20 year old, and in 11 season is 125-81 with a 3.60 ERA. He has made three all-star teams and fifth in Cy Yong voting three times as well. And despite being around for so long, he is only 30.
After his behavior last season, it seemed unlikely that the Cubs would find someone willing to take on Zambrano's attitude--and contract. But with new manager Ozzie Guillen, a loose cannon himself, at the helm, perhaps the Marlins are the right match. Guillen, like Zambrano, is a native of Venezuela.
Undoubtedly the Cubs will be eating some of Zambrano's contract if there is a deal, but regardless, it is quite the risky move for a Marlins' squad that is clearly trying to win now after signing Jose Reyes, Heath Bell and Mark Buehrle this offseason. With a sound-minded Zambrano in the rotation, the Marlins all of a sudden look dangerous with him, Buehrle, Josh Johnson, Anibal Sanchez and Ricky Nolasco in the rotation.
Volstad has yet to put it all together at the big-league level, but has a ton of upset and seems to be a good catch for the Cubs in return for being rid of Zambrano. Volstad, 25, was a first-round pick in 2005 and is 32-39 with a 4.59 ERA in four seasons.
What do you think of this potential deal for both team? Would you want Zambrano on your team?
Carlos Zambrano for Chris Volstad
MLB, Player News / Analysis, Rumors, Mark Buehrle, Ozzie Guillen, Jose Reyes, Heath Bell, Josh Johnson, Chris Volstad, Anibal Sánchez, Chicago Cubs , Florida Marlins , Miami Marlins, Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Zambrano Trade
Might the Marlins trade Chris Volstad for Carlos Zambrano?
1/4/12 in MLB
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Dan_B
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796 respect
1/10/12 | Mark_Guerrero | 91 respect
its pure genius by the marlins! they traded the worst pitcher/player on the team for a good pitcher and the cubs are going to pay basiclly all its salary! whats the worst that cap happeen!? zambrano has a freak out? oh well then you bench him or kick him off the team oh well its not like you gave something up for him you just bring someone up from the minors either way that player will be better then volstad ever was. even though i belive guillen will keep zambrano in check. the marlins are really good team and are going to make a serious run at the playoffs and they are also by far the most interesting team in baseball they should have a reality show
1/9/12 | coyotedances | 16828 respect
done deal...we are bound to hear more of these two when the season gets underway. wouldn't surprise me if they get along (this year)
1/6/12 |
WhoDat12
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2231 respect
The real question is, who would win a fight between Guillen and Big Z? Zambrano's got the size advantage, but Ozzie is just plain loco.
1/6/12 |
WhoDat12
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2231 respect
If the insane Ozzie Guillen can somehow keep the insane Big Z sane every fifth day to pitch, it could possibly work. If it backfires, the only thing the Marlins gave up as a 13-LOSS pitcher and $3 million, AND it will be INSANELY ENTERTAINING. It's a win for the Cubs, win for the Marlins, a win for us all.
1/5/12 |
gearhead
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6350 respect
That's basically how I see it. Volstad's average at best (and probably not even that), but Z had to leave Chicago, so getting any warm body back is a plus. For the Marlins, at least there's only one year left on the deal.
1/5/12 | ML31 | 3520 respect
Would I want Z on my team? Hell no. Plus, my team is set for starting pitchers anyway.
It seems to be an excellent deal for the Cubbies.
1/5/12 |
Dan_B
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796 respect
Marlins only paying $2.5 million of Zambrano's salary.
1/4/12 | TigerSooner | 125 respect
Holy crap, what will they think of next?
1/4/12 | Michael G | 32638 respect
According to ESPN it's a done deal
1/4/12 | TigerSooner | 125 respect
they've gotta be kidding, haven't they?
1/4/12 |
Pat
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4510 respect
There's a time when I would have wanted Zambrano on my team... back when his skill outweighed his insanity. But it seems like his skills are eroding while his insanity is still going strong, so I'm all set with that. More power to the Marlins for even giving him a shot.
1/4/12 | Michael G | 32638 respect
Zambrano and Ozzie in the same dugout!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...talk about a train-wreck....go ahead Marlins...I dare ya