Hendry to Re-open Contract Talks with Zambrano This Week

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

From the Trib:

 

Link.

 

Hendry said he'll reopen contract talks with Carlos Zambrano's agents later this week

 

Let's hope a deal gets done soon. I'd start with a 5-year proposal similar to what Oswalt got and go from there.

[Banedon]

This is good news. I bet this gets done before opening day.

[Butterscup1679666578]

This is good news. I bet this gets done before opening day.

 

Me too. Both sides seem very willing to work this out unlike *cough*Briggs and the Bears*cough*.

[Omar]

Just like Aramis in 2005 and Lee in 2006.. this will happen ON opening Day. You heard it here.

[BigbadB]

Wow! Who would have ever guessed that the Tribune would keep handing out blank checks for their baseball team?

 

Make it happen!

[Sammy Sofa]

Dear Lord...please somehow make Carlos and the Cubs settle on a 3-4 year deal.

 

Thank you.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Oswalt signed a 5/73 deal which could be 6/87 if his option is picked up rather than his buy-out of 2 million.

 

Oswalt's deal paid him 13, 13, 14, 15, 16 with a sixth-year 16 million option with a 2 million buyout.

 

That's the framework I'd begin with.

 

I think a deal in which Zambrano has his 12.4 million salary for this year augmented by a 2 million dollar signing bonus. He'd then make 13.5 million next season, 14.5 million in 2009, 16 million in 2010, 18 million in 2011. I'd include an option for 2012 at 20 million with a 2 million buyout.

 

The contract would be 5 years at a guaranteed 78.4 million. It beats Oswalt's deal and has the potential to be a 6 year 96.4 million dollar contract.

 

I think that would be fair. It might could be massaged a little if the numbers aren't right to end up being a 5/80 guaranteed with a possibility to be 6/100.

[Danny82]

Dear Lord...please somehow make Carlos and the Cubs settle on a 3-4 year deal.

 

Thank you.

 

Virtually impossible.

 

Maybe a four year extension.

[erik316wttn]

This is good news. I bet this gets done before opening day.

 

There is absolutely no reason it shoudln't.

[frostwyrm]

Oswalt signed a 5/73 deal which could be 6/87 if his option is picked up rather than his buy-out of 2 million.

 

Oswalt's deal paid him 13, 13, 14, 15, 16 with a sixth-year 16 million option with a 2 million buyout.

 

That's the framework I'd begin with.

 

 

Why would Z feel compelled to take that? Oswalt is clealy underpaid in a market in which Gil Freaking Meche gets 5/55. Even if Z has a down year or gets hurt he'll still be in line for a huge payday, as evidenced by Jason Marquis getting 3/21 after putting up a 6.02 ERA. Z would have to have a totally catastrophic injury not to get more than what Marquis got. IMO Z was correct in his initial assessment that he should demand what Zito got. Somebody will give it to him if he just stays firm in his demands.

[CubColtPacer]

Oswalt signed a 5/73 deal which could be 6/87 if his option is picked up rather than his buy-out of 2 million.

 

Oswalt's deal paid him 13, 13, 14, 15, 16 with a sixth-year 16 million option with a 2 million buyout.

 

That's the framework I'd begin with.

 

 

Why would Z feel compelled to take that? Oswalt is clealy underpaid in a market in which Gil Freaking Meche gets 5/55. Even if Z has a down year or gets hurt he'll still be in line for a huge payday, as evidenced by Jason Marquis getting 3/21 after putting up a 6.02 ERA. Z would have to have a totally catastrophic injury not to get more than what Marquis got. IMO Z was correct in his initial assessment that he should demand what Zito got. Somebody will give it to him if he just stays firm in his demands.

 

I don't think Z will take that, but I do see a 5 year deal for him. Hendry probably won't want to go over 5 years, and Z is on record saying that he will accept 5 years. He might me willing to go for 5 for 82-85 million.

[frostwyrm]

Oswalt signed a 5/73 deal which could be 6/87 if his option is picked up rather than his buy-out of 2 million.

 

Oswalt's deal paid him 13, 13, 14, 15, 16 with a sixth-year 16 million option with a 2 million buyout.

 

That's the framework I'd begin with.

 

 

Why would Z feel compelled to take that? Oswalt is clealy underpaid in a market in which Gil Freaking Meche gets 5/55. Even if Z has a down year or gets hurt he'll still be in line for a huge payday, as evidenced by Jason Marquis getting 3/21 after putting up a 6.02 ERA. Z would have to have a totally catastrophic injury not to get more than what Marquis got. IMO Z was correct in his initial assessment that he should demand what Zito got. Somebody will give it to him if he just stays firm in his demands.

 

I don't think Z will take that, but I do see a 5 year deal for him. Hendry probably won't want to go over 5 years, and Z is on record saying that he will accept 5 years. He might me willing to go for 5 for 82-85 million.

 

If Z is serious about taking a 5 year deal then 5/90 might do it. It's a big contract but still a discount compared to Zito's deal, and for the sake of his job Hendry really can't afford to let Z walk because he wouldn't go 5/90. Z will have a ton of leverage if he insists on that figure.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Bruce also mentioned the talks here.

 

Zambrano also said his agent, Barry Praver, is coming to town Thursday and will meet with Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, possibly Saturday, about a contract extension. The Cubs and Zambrano avoided salary arbitration and agreed on a one-year, $12.4 million contract for this year.

 

The 25-year-old Zambrano can become a free agent after the season, and both sides have said they’d like to get a multiyear deal done by Opening Day.

 

[Twiggy]

Get it done Jim. 4-5 years please