Big Z will leave

[goonys evil twin]

He underestimated the effect of the ridiculous overpayment of mediocre crap this offseason on Z. Z sees Jason Marquis get $21m and Ted Lilly get $40m, and Barry Zito get like $10billion, and justifiably asks for market value.

 

But Zambrano hasn't won many more games than Marquis over the past 3 years, so obviously he doesn't deserve much more money.

[USSoccer]

He underestimated the effect of the ridiculous overpayment of mediocre crap this offseason on Z. Z sees Jason Marquis get $21m and Ted Lilly get $40m, and Barry Zito get like $10billion, and justifiably asks for market value.

 

But Zambrano hasn't won many more games than Marquis over the past 3 years, so obviously he doesn't deserve much more money.

 

Also, Jason Marquis is a winner he's played for the Braves and Cardinals and won a ring and blah blah blah.

[YearofDaCubs]

You don't think Hendry is competent enough to at least know that Z is going to need an extension soon when he was doing free agency this year? That's all Tim said, and that's a really harsh criticism of Hendry to say that he couldn't even factor in what he wanted to pay Z into his plan.

 

I think Hendry took Z for granted and assumed he could easily sign Z to a team friendly deal.

 

He underestimated the effect of the ridiculous overpayment of mediocre crap this offseason on Z. Z sees Jason Marquis get $21m and Ted Lilly get $40m, and Barry Zito get like $10billion, and justifiably asks for market value.

 

Z should have been extended before Marquis was signed.

What I don't like about Z is he went public with this. Why not see what he could have done behind closed doors before opening up his mouth and threatening this team?

Edited February 13, 2007 by YearofDaCubs

[USSoccer]

You don't think Hendry is competent enough to at least know that Z is going to need an extension soon when he was doing free agency this year? That's all Tim said, and that's a really harsh criticism of Hendry to say that he couldn't even factor in what he wanted to pay Z into his plan.

 

I think Hendry took Z for granted and assumed he could easily sign Z to a team friendly deal.

 

He underestimated the effect of the ridiculous overpayment of mediocre crap this offseason on Z. Z sees Jason Marquis get $21m and Ted Lilly get $40m, and Barry Zito get like $10billion, and justifiably asks for market value.

 

Z should have been extended before Marquis was signed.

What I don't like about Z is he went public with this. Why not see what he could have done behind closed doors before opening up his moth and threatening this team?

 

It puts Hendry on the negotiative defensive.

 

That's right. I can make up words now.

[Butterscup1679666578]

I have 0 confidence that JH gets this deal done. Nice knowing ya, Z.

[KingCubsFan]

I have 0 confidence that JH gets this deal done. Nice knowing ya, Z.

Why? He hasn't failed to lock up a core player yet.

[KingKongvs.Godzilla]

Well, this isn't anything shocking.

 

Z is a huge injury risk/early decline candidate for the future, and as a pitcher a long term big money contract is a big deal.

 

Still, considering this teams state, it'd be very dissapointing if we failed to resign him. Considering how [expletive] the Cubs (Hendry) was with money this offseason, if Z is not resigned then anything positive THIS offseason just got erased.

[tkenm356]

Too many pages to read... so I'll just give my pointless 2 cents here...

 

Trade him. Carlos Zambrano is probably our most powerful bargaining chip. If he's gonna be a punk about it and not show any sort of loyalty then screw him. Let him help us out for half the season and if we'd be in good shape without him or in bad shape with him, trade him for the best prospects we need in someone's farm system.

 

Zambrano is turning into a jackass in my eyes. You think he'd have a little more tact about it

[HoopsCubs]

Too many pages to read... so I'll just give my pointless 2 cents here...

 

Trade him. Carlos Zambrano is probably our most powerful bargaining chip. If he's gonna be a punk about it and not show any sort of loyalty then screw him. Let him help us out for half the season and if we'd be in good shape without him or in bad shape with him, trade him for the best prospects we need in someone's farm system.

 

Zambrano is turning into a jackass in my eyes. You think he'd have a little more tact about it

 

I just saw an ABC Channel 7 sports guy interview Hendry. He seemed totally shocked at what Zambrano said. I'm paraphrasing here: Hendry said that Z and his people have told him along that they want to get a deal done, but if in fact Z did say the things he did in the tone he did, then it's not really constructive.

 

My 2 cents: I'd like Z to stay, but given his demands for contract duration and money (Zito contract), and the workload he's been under, I think the Cubs would be wise to move him. I don't think he's a punk or jackass for making the demand. He knows what he wants - I don't hold that against him. But I wouldn't pay him Zito money. Prior AND Miller showing up healthy could probably accelerate Hendry's decision to trade Z if the negotiation goes nowhere.

[Jon]

Hendry's just trying to cover his butt. I doubt that was his real raction.

 

Regardless, Jim knows that his job is on the line and not only are they at a disadvantage in the trade market because Z only has one year left, but what they'd get in return probably wouldn't have as much of an impact on next year's team as Z would.

 

I'd give it maybe a 30% chance that Carlos goes anywhere, 15% this offseason and 15% next.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Later Z. I love your intensity, but you turned into a money hungry whore.

 

Hill for ace!! 8-)

[Jon]

Later Z. I love your intensity, but you turned into a money hungry whore.

 

Hill for ace!! 8-)

Derrek Lee said pretty much the same thing. It's public negotiating and such a "deadline" often isn't a deadline.

 

I doubt anyone here wouldn't want market value if they were in Z's position after Hendry over-paid like a maniac this offseason.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Later Z. I love your intensity, but you turned into a money hungry whore.

 

Hill for ace!! 8-)

Derrek Lee said pretty much the exact same thing. It's public negotiating and such a "deadline" often isn't a deadline.

 

I doubt anyone here wouldn't want market value if they were in Z's position after Hendry over-paid like a maniac this offseason.

 

Lee took Konerko money after a ridiculous season. Z is going to take Zito money after an ok season (for an ace)? Lee didn't say he'd leave if he didn't get an extension (at FA market value) by opening day. He just said that he didn't want to worry about a contract during the season. Big difference.

 

Later, Z. Thanks for your loyalty.

[rocket]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

[RynoRules]

Too many pages to read... so I'll just give my pointless 2 cents here...

 

Trade him. Carlos Zambrano is probably our most powerful bargaining chip. If he's gonna be a punk about it and not show any sort of loyalty then screw him. Let him help us out for half the season and if we'd be in good shape without him or in bad shape with him, trade him for the best prospects we need in someone's farm system.

 

Zambrano is turning into a jackass in my eyes. You think he'd have a little more tact about it

 

I just saw an ABC Channel 7 sports guy interview Hendry. He seemed totally shocked at what Zambrano said. I'm paraphrasing here: Hendry said that Z and his people have told him along that they want to get a deal done, but if in fact Z did say the things he did in the tone he did, then it's not really constructive.

 

My 2 cents: I'd like Z to stay, but given his demands for contract duration and money (Zito contract), and the workload he's been under, I think the Cubs would be wise to move him. I don't think he's a punk or jackass for making the demand. He knows what he wants - I don't hold that against him. But I wouldn't pay him Zito money. Prior AND Miller showing up healthy could probably accelerate Hendry's decision to trade Z if the negotiation goes nowhere.

 

Co-sign

 

Z, Izturis, and Eyre to the Yanks for ARod and a prospect. How's this lineup look to you?:

 

Soriano

Murton

ARod

Lee

ARam

Jones

Barrett

DeRosa

 

I know that this scenario leaves what appers to be a major hole in the rotation, but it assumes the Prior or Miller show themselves to be back on track prior to the trade deadline.

[RichHillIsABeast]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

Yeah, b/c hometown discounts for an org that drafted and developed you is completely out of line.

 

Bastard Cubs organization. Worthless arrogant SOBs.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

and if he suffers an arm injury, we could just convert him to an outfielder.

Or linebacker...

 

Perfect replacement for Briggs!

[reggiemiller rules]

Bashing someone for not taking a hometown discount is dumb. This is a business, just cause some players do it doesnt mean all will. Plus I am willing to bet if Z got hurt this year the Cubs wouldnt be willing to give him 15 million next year where is their loyalty to a guy who has been a workhorse for them over the last 3 years. Also Z asking for Zito money is actually quite fair considering he could get more on the free agent market. So he really is taking a hometown dicount money wise. He is just not willing to take it down as much as Aram did. He shouldnt get bashed for that.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

Yeah, b/c hometown discounts for an org that drafted and developed you is completely out of line.

 

Bastard Cubs organization. Worthless arrogant SOBs.

 

It's a negotiation tactic. Hendry is in a situation where he basically has to re-sign Z, I honestly don't think Z is gone in 2008 (for better or for worse). I'm not sure why Z should be chastised for not taking a hometown discount - especially not talking about it now that negotiation time is near.

 

Just like both Aramis situations, I think some people are overreacting a bit (granted I was in on the Aramis overreacting the last time).

Edited February 14, 2007 by CaliforniaRaisin

[shnsajax]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

seriously?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

seriously?

 

Sarcasm.

[Jon]

Later Z. I love your intensity, but you turned into a money hungry whore.

 

Hill for ace!! 8-)

Derrek Lee said pretty much the exact same thing. It's public negotiating and such a "deadline" often isn't a deadline.

 

I doubt anyone here wouldn't want market value if they were in Z's position after Hendry over-paid like a maniac this offseason.

 

Lee took Konerko money after a ridiculous season. Z is going to take Zito money after an ok season (for an ace)? Lee didn't say he'd leave if he didn't get an extension (at FA market value) by opening day. He just said that he didn't want to worry about a contract during the season. Big difference.

 

Later, Z. Thanks for your loyalty.

For a lack of a better phrase, Zito couldn't sniff Z's jock strap over the last three years. Even last year it wasn't that close. And he's three years older.

 

Lee set a deadline for opening day. It was eventually pushed back, but it's the same situation. Derrek said that he'd play out the remainder of his contract if the deal wasn't done by opening day and not negotiate during the regular season. Z said the same thing. You can't take this "I'm gone" stuff seriously. It's a negotiating ploy. Do you really think he'd make up his mind on his future so far in advance? He may very well be serious right now about not negotiating during the regular season, but that certainly doesn't mean that there wouldn't be any contract talk during or after the regular season. Hendry and his agent would remain in contact. If the right deal starts to develop, it's not going to be killed by Zambrano because of how he felt in February.

Edited February 14, 2007 by Jon

[rocket]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

Yeah, b/c hometown discounts for an org that drafted and developed you is completely out of line.

 

Bastard Cubs organization. Worthless arrogant SOBs.

 

yeah because taking hometown discounts is the norm and should be expected of everyone. NO ONE ever tests the market and gets the best contract.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Heh, if hometown discounts were the norm, they'd be the real market value. And then we could get new hometown discounts and repeat this cycle!

[RichHillIsABeast]

if z really cared about being a cub he'd play for the league minimum. but no, he's got to be selfish and actually ask to be paid what the market dictates.

 

Yeah, b/c hometown discounts for an org that drafted and developed you is completely out of line.

 

Bastard Cubs organization. Worthless arrogant SOBs.

 

It's a negotiation tactic. Hendry is in a situation where he basically has to re-sign Z, I honestly don't think Z is gone in 2008 (for better or for worse). I'm not sure why Z should be chastised for not taking a hometown discount - especially not talking about it now that negotiation time is near.

 

Just like both Aramis situations, I think some people are overreacting a bit (granted I was in on the Aramis overreacting the last time).

 

Z shouldn't be chastized b/c he was put in an advantageous bargaining position?

 

Business, my hiney. How many generations of his family do the Cubs have to provide for? How about some love for the fans who've loved him from day 1?

 

Do you love Chicago or don't you? It seems as though we only deserve first crack at giving you your massive contact. Wow, I thought we would get more than that.

 

ARam is looking more and more like a team player. I don't want to hear another soul whine about his game ever again.

 

Some guys play the game to win. Others play for themselves. I thought Z was in the first group. Wrong.