Signing Zambrano

[Laura]

Sullivan lists this as his Priority One in today's Trib and kicks off speculation as to how much that will cost.

 

Paul Sullivan / The Trib[/url]"] But if Hendry wants to stick around after his two-year extension ends in October of 2008, getting Zambrano under wraps should be a priority before the price of starting pitching rises again this winter. Zambrano hopes to get a multiyear extension before the start of next season, and he'd like something in the range of $75 million over five years, based on the five-year, $73 million deal Roy Oswalt received this year from Houston.

 

"I did my job," Zambrano said. "It's up to the Cubs now."

 

Zambrano was one of the few bright spots in a dismal Cubs season and could finish among the top three in National League Cy Young voting. Hendry isn't worried about getting a deal done, and Zambrano maintained he wants to remain here.

 

"I like this town, I like Chicago," he said. "But business is business. I've been doing a good job with the Cubs, and I deserve a little bit more."

[Andy]

Well, Z's being honest anyway. And give him anything he wants. Please.

[Brian]

20 years, 20 billion dollars

[A New Era]

20 years, 20 billion dollars

 

20 years, 20 KABGillion dollars!

[CuseCubFan69]

Come on guys...it's Z, 20 years for 20 Zillion dollars.

[Brian]

But honestly letting Zambrano go could really be a deal breaker, this organization would be dead to me.

[Rob]

I'd do 5/75 for Z in a snap. Even if he blows out his arm he could play right field for us.

[A New Era]

Come on guys...it's Z, 20 years for 20 Zillion dollars.

 

Kabgillion is more than a zillion. :wink: But just to be on the safe side, I'd offer 20 gagbzillion.

[Mizzou]

I'd do 5/75 for Z in a snap. Even if he blows out his arm he could play right field for us.

That's what I'd offer him too, and I'd be surprised if he turned it down.

 

If I'm Hendry, I sign Aramis right away, then priority number two is to get Z locked up.

[NCCubFan]

I agree Z must be kept at all costs. I don't want to see him become the next Maddux, developing as a star with the Cubs and exploding as a superstar right after leaving.

[CuseCubFan69]

Come on guys...it's Z, 20 years for 20 Zillion dollars.

 

Kabgillion is more than a zillion. :wink: But just to be on the safe side, I'd offer 20 gagbzillion.

 

I went with a Z theme.

[Backtobanks]

Sullivan lists this as his Priority One in today's Trib and kicks off speculation as to how much that will cost.

 

Paul Sullivan / The Trib[/url]"] But if Hendry wants to stick around after his two-year extension ends in October of 2008, getting Zambrano under wraps should be a priority before the price of starting pitching rises again this winter. Zambrano hopes to get a multiyear extension before the start of next season, and he'd like something in the range of $75 million over five years, based on the five-year, $73 million deal Roy Oswalt received this year from Houston.

 

"I did my job," Zambrano said. "It's up to the Cubs now."

 

 

Zambrano was one of the few bright spots in a dismal Cubs season and could finish among the top three in National League Cy Young voting. Hendry isn't worried about getting a deal done, and Zambrano maintained he wants to remain here.

 

"I like this town, I like Chicago," he said. "But business is business. I've been doing a good job with the Cubs, and I deserve a little bit more."

 

Signing Zambrano to a new contract is a priority, but not quite the #1 priority on Hendry's mind. He needs to pick a manager and to re-sign ARam first. Zambrano's not going anywhere for awhile.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I'd agree that signing Zambrano shouldn't be number one. Zambrano is a Cub for 2007, no matter what. Do I want him signed to a long term deal? Certainly! But, the pressing need for it to happen on a certain time table isn't as pressing as choosing a new manager, signing Ramirez to an extension, and filling the holes on this team.

[Rob]

I'd agree that signing Zambrano shouldn't be number one. Zambrano is a Cub for 2007, no matter what. Do I want him signed to a long term deal? Certainly! But, the pressing need for it to happen on a certain time table isn't as pressing as choosing a new manager, signing Ramirez to an extension, and filling the holes on this team.

 

Agreed. Zambrano is something that can be easily taken care of in spring training. Unless we're really scared about the starting pitching market inflating to the point where he'd get 100 million instead of 75 or so, it's very stupid to work on this before the more important things.

[radarluv1]

with all of z's internet experience, what are the chances for an NSBB interview? i'm not sure the site could withstand his presence.

[HoopsCubs]

I'd agree that signing Zambrano shouldn't be number one. Zambrano is a Cub for 2007, no matter what. Do I want him signed to a long term deal? Certainly! But, the pressing need for it to happen on a certain time table isn't as pressing as choosing a new manager, signing Ramirez to an extension, and filling the holes on this team.

 

Agreed. Zambrano is something that can be easily taken care of in spring training. Unless we're really scared about the starting pitching market inflating to the point where he'd get 100 million instead of 75 or so, it's very stupid to work on this before the more important things.

 

I think Hendry already said a month or two ago that signing Zambrano to a long term deal will be a priority in spring training alluding to what he did with Kerry Wood and Derrek Lee as they each entered their 6th year of service: for those 2 guys, the process was first, agree to a 1-year deal in Jan. to avoid arbitration, second, establish parameters with the agents in Feb. for a long term deal, and finally negotiate in Mar.

[soccer10k]

I'd agree that signing Zambrano shouldn't be number one. Zambrano is a Cub for 2007, no matter what. Do I want him signed to a long term deal? Certainly! But, the pressing need for it to happen on a certain time table isn't as pressing as choosing a new manager, signing Ramirez to an extension, and filling the holes on this team.

 

IMO making sure ARam doesn't leave is the first priority with getting a new manager being a very close second.

[Laura]

Paul Sullivan / The Tribune[/url]"]

 

Zambrano will be seeking a six-year deal for around $85 million to $90 million, sources said, and because he will be only 26 when he's eligible for free agency, the Venezuelan right-hander is certain to get a handful of teams willing to make that long-term commitment. Unlike Aramis Ramirez, Zambrano is not expected to give the Cubs a significant hometown discount, though his preference is to stay in Chicago.

 

Sullivan doesn't think the Cubs will compete at all for Schmidt.

 

Matt Murton looks like he will have no worse than a platoon role in left, depending on whether Jacque Jones gets traded.

 

Yay?

[LeftCoastCubFan]

Zambrano will be seeking a six-year deal for around $85 million to $90 million, sources said, and because he will be only 26 when he's eligible for free agency, the Venezuelan right-hander is certain to get a handful of teams willing to make that long-term commitment. Unlike Aramis Ramirez, Zambrano is not expected to give the Cubs a significant hometown discount, though his preference is to stay in Chicago.

 

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/baseball/cubs/cs-061121cubs,1,580782.story?coll=cs-home-headlines

[Rob]

Paul Sullivan is a hack.

 

I honestly don't see any way Zambrano would ever be willing to leave the Cubs. His loyalty is part of why he's a Chicago icon. It's possible he leaves, sure... but I feel the sudden urge to knock on wood before I say something stupid.

 

And the Murton thing is definately him just being stupid.

[ChiCubsFan]

85Mil for 6 years. Where do we sign? That's just over 14 mil. Well worth it for one of the best pitchers in the league. That's only about 30 million more than the Red Sox gave just to talk to Mazusaka. Imagine how much they'd give for a 26 year old horse like Big Z.

[BDWeav71]

In all honesty i see a spring training contract extension being made that is for 6 years and inbetween 75 and 85 million.

 

Carlos Zambrano will never wear a different major league uniform if hendry is smart.

[CubColtPacer]

Paul Sullivan is a hack.

 

I honestly don't see any way Zambrano would ever be willing to leave the Cubs. His loyalty is part of why he's a Chicago icon. It's possible he leaves, sure... but I feel the sudden urge to knock on wood before I say something stupid.

 

And the Murton thing is definately him just being stupid.

 

The first quote in this thread from last month would seem to say differently about Z. If he doesn't get the money, he is gone.

 

The Murton thing? I can understand what he's saying. The Cubs are looking for another CF, and if Jones stays on the roster he would probably be used as Murton's platoon partner then. There is still the possibility he would be traded though.

[soapy]

I'd do 6/$90 in a heartbeat.

[RynoRules]

Come on guys...it's Z, 20 years for 20 Zillion dollars.

 

http://edbatista.typepad.com/edbatista/images/2005/02/Dr%20Evil.jpg