Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs "have made it clear" to teams that right-hander Carlos Zambrano is available, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.
Zambrano’s contract and recent performance would seem to be major stumbling blocks in potential trades. The Cubs owe him about $6 million for the rest of this season and $36 million the next two seasons. There also is a $19 million vesting option for 2013. Also, Zambrano has a no-trade clause.
His pitching hasn’t nearly been to that level: He has a 5.66 ERA in 55 2/3 innings this season, and he has spent a good portion of the year in Chicago’s bullpen.
Then there’s the issue of Zambrano’s volatility. He is completing a team suspension for a dugout tirade last month. On Monday, Zambrano apologized for his actions and said he was to blame for the blowup.
Sporting News staff reports
The Cubs "have made it clear" to teams that right-hander Carlos Zambrano is available, ESPN’s Buster Olney reports.
Zambrano’s contract and recent performance would seem to be major stumbling blocks in potential trades. The Cubs owe him about $6 million for the rest of this season and $36 million the next two seasons. There also is a $19 million vesting option for 2013. Also, Zambrano has a no-trade clause.
His pitching hasn’t nearly been to that level: He has a 5.66 ERA in 55 2/3 innings this season, and he has spent a good portion of the year in Chicago’s bullpen.
Then there’s the issue of Zambrano’s volatility. He is completing a team suspension for a dugout tirade last month. On Monday, Zambrano apologized for his actions and said he was to blame for the blowup.