Carlos Zambrano’s New Deal is Close….Tomas Perez was Traded….Buck Coats was optioned….Dayn Perry predicts the Cubs in the Central
On the eve of the Cubs Opening Day, there are a few roster moves and news on the Zambrano contract talks. According to a report by Ken Rosenthal on Fox Sports.com, Carlos Zambrano has waived his Opening Day deadline for completing his new deal and they cite Zamrbano’s agent, Barry Praver, as their source. The report goes on to say the two sides are in final negotiations of a 5-year deal worth more than $80 million dollars. Zambrano’s new deal would be the largest for a non-free agent pitcher in “both average salary and total dollars.” The deadline will apparently be extended for an “indefinite period of time” because of the way the discussions have progressed. Several reports out of Chicago have stated a new deal with Zambrano is close and one stated on Friday that a deal could be announced a day after the season starts to not take away from Zambrano’s start on Monday….stay tuned.
Tomas Perez Traded….
According to a report on MLB.com, the Cubs traded Tomas Perez to the Los Angeles Dodgers for future considerations. The deal apparently took place on Friday and Perez will be used as an insurance plan for the Dodgers infield that is minus Rafael Furcal who was placed on the 15-day DL to start the season.
Coats Optioned to Iowa….
The Cubs finalized their Opening Day roster on Sunday. As expected the Cubs placed Kerry Wood and Juan Mateo on the 15-day DL but optioned Buck Coats to Iowa. There was some speculation that Coats would start the year on the DL after a MRI had revealed a cyst on the back of his right knee.
Dayn Perry….Cubs to win the Central
Dayn Perry has released his predictions for the 2007 season. Perry has changed his prediction in the central from the Cardinals to the Cubs….by the slimmest of margins according to Perry. From everyone here at the CCO, enjoy Wrigley this summer Dayn.
Turn off the clocks….Two thousand and seven is here….