February 11, 2006
Cubs Avoid Arbitration
The Cubs and Carlos Zambrano came close to splitting the difference, settling on a $6.5 million dollar contract. I'm surprised the Cubs didn't try to lock up Carlos through next season, or maybe even a year after that. Over the last couple of seasons, Zambrano's been the ace of the staff. Trying to lock him up at $22 million for three years would not only give the Cubs a longer term bargain, but it would make Zambrano easier to trade if the Cubs went that route. Instead, Chicago will likely shell out a lot more money next year if Carlos continues to pitch well.
Posted by David Pinto at
03:15 PM
|
Pitchers
|
TrackBack (0)
Whenever you wonder why the Cubs do something stupid, or why they don't do something obvious, the answer is "Because they are the Cubs."
Though I don't like the way Cub management works, this is likely just a temporary contract. Over the last couple of years, to avoid arbitration - - which they have never gone to in the Hendry era, they will sign a guy to a one year deal and then make it a multi-year deal before the season begins. They did it with multiple players last year, most notably Lee, Ramirez, and Wood. If I remember correctly.
I think they learned their lesson by signing wood to a long term contract. he's getting $11 million this year because of that, maybe they are just being safe instead of sorry again.
And to JeremyR...good logic, very informative information you gave.
With the Arm Assassin at the helm you might not want to re-up with pitchers.