One of the many storylines to keep an eye on this off-season is where will Carlos Zambrano pitch in next year? Zambrano is owed $18 million for 2012 in the last guaranteed season of the contract extension he signed in August of 2007 (Zambrano has a vesting option for 2013 worth $19.25 million).
Prior to Ozzie Guillen taking over in Miami last week, many thought Zambrano would end up on the South Side but with Guillen now the Marlins’ skipper the thought is Zambrano will waive his no trade clause (and Ten-and-Five rights) and join Guillen in Miami.
According to a report from Carrie Muskat, Ozzie Guillen has reached out to Carlos Zambrano and Guillen wants to bring him to Miami Carrie Muskat quoted a report from Ignacio Serrano in the Venezuelan newspaper, El Nacional, as the source indicating Guillen has reached out to Zambrano … but here is the interesting part.
According to the report, the Marlins would pay the $18 million to Zambrano in deferred payments. If that ends up being the case, the Cubs would likely not receive a decent return for Zambrano but they would be able to save money toward next season’s budget.
Toward the end of the season, Tom Ricketts said he did not see a scenario in which Zambrano would return to the team. Without a GM in place, Ricketts might have to take another decision away from the new general manager.
Stay Tuned …
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