Z says contract is close... but maybe not?

[Brian]

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070318&content_id=1849459&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

Asked about his contract status, the 25-year-old Zambrano said on Sunday that the two sides were "close."

 

Close to a deal?

 

"That's what I think," Zambrano said. "I always say that because I want to put my mind on positive things. I always say we will sign. I want to do that."

 

So basically they are close because he wants to stay positive, and he's really not sure what Praver and Hendry are up to.

 

He's still saying he'd be willing to talk after the year is over if it doesn't get down before opening day.

 

"I'll wait until after the season when we win the World Series," Zambrano said.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

You have to like Zambrano's optimism.

[Roast]

You have to like Zambrano's optimism.

 

I know I do.

[Sammy Sofa]

You have to like Zambrano's optimism.

 

He's like a big, dumb, adorable grizzly bear.

[frostwyrm]

http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070318&content_id=1849459&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

 

Asked about his contract status, the 25-year-old Zambrano said on Sunday that the two sides were "close."

 

Close to a deal?

 

"That's what I think," Zambrano said. "I always say that because I want to put my mind on positive things. I always say we will sign. I want to do that."

 

So basically they are close because he wants to stay positive, and he's really not sure what Praver and Hendry are up to.

 

He's still saying he'd be willing to talk after the year is over if it doesn't get down before opening day.

 

"I'll wait until after the season when we win the World Series," Zambrano said.

 

I'm not sure we can reliably draw anything from Z's comments. I like the guy but he's not the best source for coherent/realistic statements.

[erik316wttn]

I'm starting to lose faith in this process.

 

Jim, would another million or so a year (presumably) really be all that much to give one of the best pitchers in the National League? Just sign him already or we'll lose him.

[C.C.]

I'm starting to lose faith in this process.

 

Jim, would another million or so a year (presumably) really be all that much to give one of the best pitchers in the National League? Just sign him already or we'll lose him.

 

He'll get it done. I'm not even concerned about it.

[Jehrico]

If I were Z and I had an offer on the table that was acceptable, I wouldn't have signed yet either. You know Hendry will make an 11th hour bid just before the regular season starts. Z has the rest of spring to see if Hendry will go up anymore. I'd be surprised if this is signed more than 48 hours before the end of camp. Right now, time is on Zs side, not Hendrys.

[98navigator]

Zambrano is also gambling that he doesn't get hurt. It's a gamble on both sides.