[truebluefan]

MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Chicago Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has a new message for the team: sign him to a new contract before the season starts or he'll leave and become a free agent after it's over.

"I'm ready to sign and I would do my job anyway with the Cubs this year," Zambrano said in an interview with WGN-TV that was reported Tuesday by the Chicago Tribune.

"Whatever happens, I don't want to know about a contract during the season. I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts. If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks."

Zambrano, 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 strikeouts last season, asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The team offered $11.025 million. He made $6.5 million last season.

At the team's winter convention last month, Zambrano first said that he wanted to have a new deal in place before the season starts. Cubs pitchers and catchers report to spring training Wednesday.

Complete article

[BayAreaYankeeFan]

I honestly can see the Cubs trading Zambrano for Humberto Sanchez and another arm or two. They should mathematically be eliminated by the trading deadline

Just wishful thinking on my part

[NatsNSoxFan]

VERY wishful thinking. It would take a lot more than that to pry Z outta their arms, they'll sign him anyways, they know it would be a fatal mistake not to.

[BayAreaYankeeFan]

Originally Posted by NatsNSoxFan

VERY wishful thinking. It would take a lot more than that to pry Z outta their arms, they'll sign him anyways, they know it would be a fatal mistake not to.

It's a very strong possibility...
Cub fans seem to love Prior and Woods a heck of alot more up there. Maybe he seems disrespected in some way and decides it's best to bolt to a contender^^

He would be lights out in the AL. Boston better not get him, Yanks are vulnerable to hard fastballs.

[NatsNSoxFan]

Anyone is when they're coming from Zambrano.

[bigboy10182000]

I think he stays but if he does go, it will be between the usual 3 bidders NYY, Bos and the Angels...Philly would off him like 5 years and 40 million and say they "tried"...