Will Opening Day Arrive with No Extension for Zambrano?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

As I mentioned in my blog, the most pressing question for me as we approach Opening Day is Zambrano's contract.

 

The roster is set. The team looks ready to play. We're all eagerly awaiting the season's begin. We're one week from the deadline to get Zambrano sign or else wait until the end of the season.

 

Other than Z's off the cuff remark, no one has talked about this. I've seen nothing indicating Hendry is talking to Praver to get something done.

 

So, is it looking like Zambrano is headed towards free agency?

[erik316wttn]

There is no reason in the world it shouldn't get done.

 

Therefore, it won't get done.

[JWCUB]

If we can't get it done, do you think a deadline deal....say....Z for Arod?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Just as I finished typing this, I found a small note at the end of a BP article by John Perrotto.

 

Link.

 

Look for the Chicago Cubs and right-hander Carlos Zambrano to agree on a five-year contract extension this week worth somewhere in $80 million-$90 million range

 

He states nothing else about it, so I still have my doubts. I'd love to see Bruce or another beat writer give us some info on this in the near future.

[Jon]

I don't see the Cubs getting close to $90 million.

[rawaction]

Just as I finished typing this, I found a small note at the end of a BP article by John Perrotto.

 

Link.

 

Look for the Chicago Cubs and right-hander Carlos Zambrano to agree on a five-year contract extension this week worth somewhere in $80 million-$90 million range

 

He states nothing else about it, so I still have my doubts. I'd love to see Bruce or another beat writer give us some info on this in the near future.

 

Hendry has gotten all the deals done when he's had to. I think he will get this done. Unlike ARam, DLee, and Wood, the market is already set for what Zambrano should get. I think it's more about options, incentives, etc. at this point.

[oldstyle81]

If we can't get it done, do you think a deadline deal....say....Z for Arod?

 

no way in hell thats going to happen if we are in the race

[RichHillIsABeast]

Nothing has been reported? Hendry has met with Z's agent several times in the past week or so.

 

No news is good news. Z seems optimistic.

[Sammy Sofa]

If we can't get it done, do you think a deadline deal....say....Z for Arod?

 

no way in hell thats going to happen if we are in the race

 

I'd do it, especially if Prior is healthy and better by then and Hill is still doing great.

[Ding Dong Johnson]

Didn't Z just mention a week or so ago that things were close, or something to that effect?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Didn't Z just mention a week or so ago that things were close, or something to that effect?

 

And close examination of that quote seems to reveal that Z wasn't speaking in particulars.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Didn't Z just mention a week or so ago that things were close, or something to that effect?

 

And close examination of that quote seems to reveal that Z wasn't speaking in particulars.

 

And it's been said several times in the media that Z's agent and Hendry have met, including once in Hendry's office. It was Cubs' officials that denied Z's claim that things were "close." That doesn't mean things aren't headed in the right direction.

[CubinNY]

Hendry has until five minutes before game time, right?

 

He's probably in Las Vages kicking back at the craps table with Tribune money until next Sunday night/Monday morning.

 

He won't get serious until the angina flares, then look out.

[PrimeTime]

Baseball Prospectus (subscription required) is reporting that Carlos Zambrano should sign a 5 year extension this week worth between $80-90 million.

[frostwyrm]

5/90 was what I guessed a few weeks ago and I still think it's a good guess. There's no way Hendry wants to go to ownership or the media and say he let his ace walk because he wouldn't up his offer from 5/80 to 5/90, which is only a 2M per year difference and a bargain compared to Zito. Hendry likes his job better than that.

[Z38]

Hopefully we can retain him. I can't imagine not having any of the three young star pitchers I thought would bring a WS ring to the northside as starters four years after almost getting to the big she-bang.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Less than a week away and no one is talking....I'm getting nervous.

[bc2k]

Less than a week away and no one is talking....I'm getting nervous.

 

I wouldn't be nervous because I believe Zambrano will be willing to negotiate during the season--especially the first couple weeks. If a deal is close, I'm sure Zambrano and his agent will be willing to hammer out the minor details during April.

[E.J.]

Less than a week away and no one is talking....I'm getting nervous.

 

I wouldn't be nervous because I believe Zambrano will be willing to negotiate during the season--especially the first couple weeks. If a deal is close, I'm sure Zambrano and his agent will be willing to hammer out the minor details during April.

 

I don't know. Z has pretty much made it known that if he doesn't have a contract in place by the end of spring training then he's going to wait until the season is over. He doesn't sound like he wants to negotiate during the season. I'm sure if they are close to an agreement he'd be okay with it taking a couple extra days, but that's probably about it.

[RichHillIsABeast]

Less than a week away and no one is talking....I'm getting nervous.

 

Where are you getting this impression? Everything I've read sounds like this is going to get done right around opening day.

 

edit: they've already agreed on years (5). i can't imagine it's going to fall apart over a couple mil a year.

Edited March 27, 2007 by RichHillIsABeast

[brinoch]

As I recall, Derrek Lee said much the same thing -- he didn't want to negotiate during the season, etc. -- and then they finished the negotiations during the season.

 

I'm not worried. I fully expect Zambrano to be resigned some time this week. Much of the last couple of weeks has been spent, I'm sure, on roster decisions.

[Jon]

I'd imagine it'll get done by the third week of the season. I doubt there's any deadline, so I'm not worried at all right now.

[BDWeav71]

I'd imagine it'll get done by the third week of the season. I doubt there's any deadline, so I'm not worried at all right now.

 

 

Maybe its just my nature, but i am going to worry until a deal is finalized.

[bjsands]

I'm just glad this hasn't turned into a Lance Briggs kind of situation. Very glad.