Cubs GM Jim Hendry told the Chicago Sun-Times he expects Carlos Zambrano to return to his team in 2010, and be the same ‘old Big Z.’
…that may be, but any one i have talked with around baseball has no doubt the Cubs have talked to teams about potentially trading him… which is not to say they will… but, word is they’ve certainly asked…
John Fennelly of the Bleacher Report believes the Mets and Cubs, and ‘perhaps a third team,’ are in talks about a deal that could send RHP Carlos Zambrano to Citi Field, and with Luis Castillo headed to Chicago.
…i do believe the Mets would prefer to trade for a legit No. 2 pitcher, such as a zambrano, or Reds RHP Bronson Arroyo, as opposed to signing free-agent RHP Joel Pineiro…
…from what i can gather, the Mets and Cubs have been in contact this off season regarding zambrano, but i am not sure anything is cooking right now… in those discussions, from what i understand, the Cubs asked the Mets about castillo, Angel Pagan, Mike Pelfrey and others… that is not to say the above rumor is totally false, or true, or that it might not be something that was discussed, or could be talked about again in the future… but, right now, in talking with people connected to the team, it doesn’t sound like there are active conversations going on between the two sides… i hope that changes, though, since, like with the Royals and Reds, there seems to be a match between the Mets and Cubs, involving players like pagan, castillo, zambrano, and others…
However, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com, “Zambrano trade rumors are a waste of time,” because, “He has a no-trade clause and his agents still say he is staying with the Cubs.”
…i have heard the same thing, but, people connected to zambrano have told me the Cubs have asked, and continue to talk with his agents, about whether he will waive his no-trade clause, which would suggest the Cubs have talked to teams about moving him… and so, for the purposes of a zambrano-to-the-Mets rumor, it would seem a) phase one would be finding a deal, then b) waiting for the Cubs to talk with zambrano and his agents… that’s a lot of hurdles…
...in other words, while it will be easy for people to dismiss this rumor, or dismiss the idea of the Mets and Cubs talking about zambrano, i wouldn’t… i think it’s legit… i just think there are more hurdles to making such a deal than people might realize, and that is what has me skeptical…
A tantalizing rumor to be sure, and one I hope comes true but I’m not holding my breath.
I’m really torn on this… Zambrano is a whack job, but he can pitch. Depending on what we have to give up, this could be a good thing. Maybe we move Castillo in the deal, and sign Hudson. All in all, I think I would be okay with this.
Whack job??? lol Big Z and Ollie could compare notes! lol
Maybe he can help Ollie learn to harness his inner wackiness. Big Z up until last year seemed to have it under control at least on the mound. Plus he could do double duty as a power bat off the bench as Z can hit.
lol
Bleecher Report is pure trash. Matt, please do yourself a favor and never post anything from them again. There is a reason why MLBTR never posts anything from that site.
each person on the site is different, so it’s hard to paint it with a broad stripe.
Not like he’s posting it as fact, it’s just something he read. He posted a Metsgrrl link in a previous post for instance.
I am a Bleacher Report writer and do not appreciate your “trash” label, if you are that against the site, don’t read the articles.
zambrano is interesting, he could be a very dominant #2 of course he could also be a cancer. If we did trade for this guy and his massive contract we better not be giving up good young talent like pelfrey though. His volatile behavior mixed with his salary takes away from his value and if the cubs dont think so then let them find some other sucker.
I’d agree 100% No way Pelfrey should be in that deal, especially if we would be paying the bulk of Zambrano’s salary. I’d would part with Pagan or F-mart, but not both, and John Maine, Luis Castillo and maybe Evans for Big Z. But we can’t afford to let both F-mart and Pagan go when Beltran’s long term health is in question. All of this is MOOT if he won’t wave!
you make an interesting post. I’d love Zambrano too but will he waive his no trade clause? Tough question. If he does, I’ll trade Niese and Castillo or Maine, Castillo and some low prospect. Maybe an Evans like you suggested. If we do trade another SP we can get Sheets also. That would be sick. Plus if we get Molina, that would be one terrific off-season.
I didn’t mention about filling the hole for 2B. We’ll obviously get Hudson on a 2year deal for 5mill each year.
Because I doubt we can get him for 1year at 5mill that is.
Really? because he has tons of suitors banging on his door to sign, just like last year.
funny. If we can get him for 1year, that will be nice.
If they traded for Big Z, I really don’t see them adding Sheets (but it is possible) Myself I think it’s time that if we need to include a major league starter in a deal like that Maine has got to be the guy. Niece is younger, under control longer, hasn’t had any major arm or shoulder issues, and most certainly does not as violent a delivery that Maine does.
If they get Z and Sheets without losing Pelfrey then, well – I’d cry like a baby. But they’d be happy tears.
Based on what I heard from you yesterday, I can’t even imagine you crying. But agree. I’d filp if Omar got Sheets, Zambrano, Hudson and Molina in the addition to Bay.
I agree: Pagan or FMart, but not both. Keep Pelfrey – Maine or Niese; add Evans. If they want Castillo shake their hands before they sober up
lol@ the sobering up!
Pagan and F-mart are not in the same class. Pagan is a 4th outfielder who has the potential to become an adequate 3rd OF, provided you have 2 other solid OFs. F-Mart is a top prospect with All-Star potential.
Plus, the Cubs already had Pagan and gave up on him.
It’s not about Pagan and F-mart even being in the same zip code, but we need to retain one of them in case Beltran goes down again! Bay / F-core playing CF = disaster! lol
I see your point but Pagan produced in a starting role last year whereas FMart did not and had season ending surgery and lackluster winter ball
definately Maine. Niese has a lot of potential IMO.
I don’t mind opening up a hole a 2B if it’s a pitcher, particularly a big one like Zambrano. I’d rather pass on Hudson, but at least it’s there as it doesn’t look like he’s drawing much interest.
Those stupid rumors that were getting us guys like Bradley or Burrell were horrible though.
If you can package Castillo in a deal for Zambrano, then Zambrano’s $18M contract in fact becomes a $12M when you consider the $6M coming off the books from Castillo’s contract.
I’d offer Maine, Castillo and Pagan for Zambrano. I’d like to keep Pelfrey because I think he will rebound. Maine is slated to make about $4M this year.
You could then land Zambrano and then sign Hudson to shore up the infield defense. Then maybe John Garland as your #4 starter. If it plays out like this, then you can to tip you hat to Minaya. Landing Zambrano and Bay would make the Mets significantly better; provided, everyone is healthy.
If you could get Zambrano for that package, you do it in a heartbeat. The Cubs had Pagan for a couple of years so they know what he can do when he is healthy…that’s a good piece to include. Plus they are looking for a consistent 2B and Castillo fits that role. However, I think they would rather have Pelfrey over Maine. I’d be much more inclined to give them Maine because we already know what he is capable of being. Pelfrey, on the other hand, is still improving and is coming off his Verducci season. He should rebound this season.
I agree but who will be our back up OFer? I don’t think the idea of including Pagan is a bad idea. I’d say include, Niese or Maine and Evans in the deal.
We got about 6 back-up OF’rs lol don’t worry!
who? I seriously believe you but I can’t name any.
Evan’s, F-mart,……should I keep going……lol
thx, I had a brain fart. I just checked the Mets 40 roster. That’s just sad! lol
I love PagM as the 4th, especially given Beltran’s knees. But, given Z I’d move him in a heartbeat. He’s our 4th. You could always sign someone like Jhonny Gomes.
agree. Or Hairston jr
No hairston. Look him up. He’s been bad for awhile
what about Gomes, wasn’t he the Reds player that got injured last yer. If so, was at the game last year when Johnny Cueto and Santana were pitching.
Is he still injured? And if so what is / was the injury?
I don’t know the injury but from what I saw at the game was he dived head first and it lloked that the ball hit him in the head. That’s what I remeber, I could be totally wrong. I doubt he’s still injured. I’ll look and get back to you.
To Sylow59: I had false info. It was Bruce who got injured. Gomes is fine.
also, he bent his wrist back. it was probably a sprain.
it was a broken wrist actually. I checked it out on mlb.com
we can bring back endy but he is still injured.
Yes it would be like paying him 12 million. But it also leaves a hole at 2nd base that while easily filled, will also add roughly 5 million to the deal. Of course we would get rid of maine and pagan with is sad to see them go, but understandable. Wow if this deal went through thatd be the second time we traded pagan to the cubbies.
All players with no-trade clauses are not interested in waiving it, until of course it becomes worth their while to do $o. Not saying that Zambrano would waive it, but those things are put in to give players some control, not just to ensure they never go anywhere.
Exactly. However, a guy like Zambrano wants to win so I do think he would reject a trade to a non-contender.
I agree, but I don’t think that would even be an issue, as I can’t see a non-contender taking on his salary. That kind of salary only makes any sense at all on a big market team with its eyes on the prize.
No offense, but he’s on a NON-Contender! lol
You think the Mets are a NON-CONTENDER?
I think he was talking about the Cubs. But given the way the Mets played last year, they have to once again prove that they are contenders. Regradless of how much injuries played a part.
agree. If the Mets get Molina, Sheets and Zambrano and Hudson, I think they are the NL favorites.
No silly, read the post! I said he’s ON a non-contender, currently Zambrano is not in a Mets uniform!
oh. sorry for the confusion. just read it right now.
It’s all good. no biggie it happens,…..Even the Matts had Pagan going 2nd to 3rd 143 1/4 times………lol everyone makes mistaskes / misreads,….sadly myself included! lol
I remeber that. That was funny though. They pobablt meant like 14 times.
I’m sure if he was told there is a deal on the table that will send him to the Mets to pitch with Santana and be around a much more apparent Latino presence, he’d consider it. No, I’m not trying to be racist, but let’s face the facts here…where would you feel more comfortable?
This won’t happen though. If it were to happen (by some bizarre miracle), season tickets will sell like ice water in hell.
santana zambrano is one of the best one two punches in all of baseball. it certainly competes with halladay hamels, hernandez lee, cc burnett, and the red sox one two punch (beckett and probabbly lackey) …… arroyo is NOT a number two pitcher under any circumstances….. if possilbe we should trade for zambrano without hesistation… he would thrive here imo. with zambrano, we can compete with the phillies, were better imo and we can compete for a world series. zambrano or sheets!
Or we can do both! Not lying. If we give up a pitcher for a SP, were still one short if your not including Niese in your rotation.
Johan = Halladay
Zambrano > Hamels
Sheets > Happ
Pelfrey > Blanton
Perez > Moyer
Phils better watch out if this happens.
sheets is commanding 12 million…. i doubt he will get it but no chance we can afford zambrano and sheets
I think we can if he’s at 8mill with incentives. But you make a very point though.
now THIS would get me to buy some tickets
same here
Same here, and I live in St Louis
lol
Cubs Get:
Evans
Maine
Stokes or Kunz (they need pen help)
Pagan
Castillo
Mets Get:
Zambrano
We’d be giving up too much.
way too much.
Mets: Get Zambrano
Cubs Get:
Castillo
Maine
Evans
I think that is fair. The Mets can then get Sheets to fill their other hole in SP considering we don’t use Niese in it.
Im not sure why some are giddy on Zambrano at this point, the guy is clearly not the same pitcher he once was, his fastball has dipped to about 88- 90mph from a 94-98mph fastball, he just isnt the same after his injury, yea you like his guts but I would be hesitant on him.
maybe you saw his sinker, he has 4 seam fastball in the mid 90s, also he is better than lackey and 3 years younger. but I wouldnt give top prospects for him.
I agree, but he is still a very talented pitcher that would fill our need. His velocity has dipped alittle ever since he started throwing more 2 seams to get sink. U may think his contract is too big, but dont forget he could bat clean-up for us.
Therein lies the true value of the deal…We get to kill two birds with one stone! Starting Pitcher AND a power bat in addition to Jason Bay…haha we add 2 power bats and a #2 pitcher, whats not to like.
Seriously though, Zambrano is a better hitter than Castillo.
lol. Zambrano throws 98mph at a 4seam fastball. Zambrano would be a great pick up to me.
You mean ‘used to throw’. The velocity of his 4-seam has fallen and he is maintaining velocity across his pitches by using more 2-seam fastballs. He has also had accuracy issues that have been somewhat addressed by using cutters and 2-seamers. As pointed out he is now getting more groundballs and his HR/FB rate reduced this year. May no longer be worth $18 mill but if he can be traded for Castillo, this might be worthwhile on an overall cost basis.
it seems like a long shot and it’s been an off-season of tantalizing rumors, so it’s best not to get excited about but this would be a great move I think although I’m not sure what I’d give up for him.
Castillo, Pagan, Maine, Holt, and maybe even evans if they want him (but who does?)
They get a 2B, a 4th OF, maybe another young bat if they want Evans, and trade a solid SP and b/c of his ?? you give them a solid pitching prospect that may or may not be a SP or a RP, but who wont be needed by us anytime soon (we have Niese, who is more MLB ready, and more than likely becomes our #5)
Dont trade pelfrey. Dont trade Pelfrey. He’s too talented to give up. Thats too much of a lateral move IMO. Zambrano added to our rotation with pelfrey is a very good rotation. Pelfrey is going to become an above-average Starting Pitcher.
Maine + Holt = Pelfrey in value.
I kinda agree. I still think its too much. What do u think if the Mets just traded them Castillo, Maine and Evans. IMO,it’s enough.
Even if you have to throw Pagan in, to get a legit #2 plus unload Castillo you do it in a heartbeat!,……..half a heartbeat!
agre but why do it when you don’t have to. more for us!
No way they part with their Ace for the three guys you suggested, it just won’t happen! If Omar were to pull that trade off (with just those three guys) I would personally drive to Citifield and kiss Omars feet in addition to taking back any bad thing I ever said about Omar! That said I don’t see a January road trip to Citifield in my future! lol
lmao. alright. now that you stated that that won’t happen, well do 4 players.
Maine, Castillo, Evans and Mejia or Holt.
Why would the Cubs give up an All-Star, Ace-quality pitcher for Slappy McSingles, an injury-prone pitcher, and a guy who couldn’t crack the mighty late-2009 Met lineup? I have to think they’ll want more – Kunz or Parnell at minimum.
What a waste of energy.
Do we know — for certain — this guy is truly 28?
And he has no treads left, he’s got a million miles already.
We are going to be crying the blues in a year or so when his arm falls off and we are paying him all that money.
STAY AWAY from all Zambrano’s!
And…not picking on anyone in particular here, but it DOES strike me pretty funny that (as a collective GROUP), posters here are not fond of Mike Pelfrey.
But yet you won’t trade him.
Make up your minds!
Personally, I think he will be better than 2009, but what do I know.
I agree, I like Pelfrey, I wouldn’t trade him at this point, he’ll bounce back especially if the Mets add a pitcher to take some pressure off. Which I gotta believe the Mets will do.
He is an enigma.
I agree, like I said I would be very hesitant in obtaining him, the guy was pitching on fumes all of last year, he’s clearly not the same, theres a reason why the cubs might be wanting to trade him besides doing them a favor and clearing up money for them, if the cubs knew for sure he was going to be great they would just keep him at that price, they know he is not the same.
Pitching on fumes???? Did you forget his home park in Wrigley? The man pitched a 3.77 ERA with 152 K’s and only 78 BB in almost 170 innings! If that is Zambrano pitching on fumes in that park with that ballclub behind him and he still managed 9 wins I’ll take it!! Zambrano in Citifield with our defense wins 16 -19 guaranteed!
I can’t disagree with that.
did you just post “ONLY” 78 bb in 170 Innings?
not too great.
Less than half a walk per inning is bad? Please explain.
His away ERA was in the 2.70s. Wrigley was about 5. I think he’d waive his no-trade clause.
I like the idea of sending Santana and Zambrano to the mound against the Phillies. Old school hardballers. Raw talent, just needs to be harnessed.
I don’t think they allow two pitchers on the mound at the same time…who gets the ball?
My money would have to be on Zambrano … you think Johan is going to take it away from him? Guy is a monster.
Yeah…I’d have to agree with you…the guys a bull.
lol.
Also, everyone thinks that Zambrano wont waive his no trade clause but I everyone is underestimating the fact that the Mets have a lot of players from Venezuela, KRod, Santana, Blanco, Escobar and Nieve. I think that might make it easier for Big Z to leave Chicago.
Couldn’t agree more myself…. remember the Venezuelan players view Johan in the same light that Dominican players view Pedro… Like a God… so he would wave his no trade clause in a heartbeat to pitch next to Johan believe it. We would also have a better chance of making the postseason than the Cubs if we were to acquire Zambrano and he would know it.
MAKE THIS MOVE OMAR!!
PINEIRO IS NOT WORTH IT!!
agree. If you can get Sheets too, then do it but if you can’t then we won’t get bumed out. We can put Niese in the #5 slot. Don’t forget Omar, if we do this trade, make sure you sign Hudson. I know there isn’t any teams really interested in him but any thing can happen. Same as Molina.
we sure see pedro as a god in D.R. I became a met fan becuase of him in 2005. I came to this country in 2003 and I didnt know which team to root for. but pedro made my decision easier and I thank him for that. thank god I didnt choose the yanks. pedro is now gone but I will remain a mets fan for the rest of my life.
I became a Mets fan probably because we had Reyes, Wright and Beltran at the time. I will always be a Mets fan. I’m not a Yankee fan b/c they are always too snobby and are too inconsiderate. I think all Mets fans hate them as the phillies too.
My favorite Met as a kid was Tommie Agee…it broke my heart when he was traded to the astros for,lets see…I think it was a guy named Rich Childs.My childhood hero for Rich Childs…man it still hurts.
No…Rich Chiles…yeah thats the guy!
NO PITCHER OUT THERE RIGHT NOW ARE A LEGIT #2 STARTER!!!
WE NEED THIS MOVE!!!
DO IT OMAR!!
Well there is Sheets but you neve know if he is healthy.
I’m with you MetsFan06…Sheets is the only legit #2 out there…after a thorough physical I would sign to an incentive laden contract…$6M base with $6M in incentives based on innings pitched.
agree. Or we can get Zambrano but in the new post, they say that that was a rumor and it was a possibility. There are 2 AL teams who are like bidding over him so I don’t think there are good chances with him and the Mets. Next year, the Mets should get Webb or Beckett or even Lee. I think the Mets should get Sheets or make a trade for Arroyo and Phillips. I still prefer Sheets though over the trade.
Santana = Doc
Sheets = Hamels
Pelfrey = Happ
Perez > Blanton
Maine > Moyer
I could roll with that
Me too!
Although only a rumor this Zambrano thing really has had me thinking today…the more I think about it the more I like it…of course if we were able to pull something like that off,it would mean no front line starters next year out of the fa pool.
Sorry to disappoint you, but considering all injuries on this proposed staff, this is how they will match up:
Santana < Doc
Sheets < Hamels
Pelfrey < Happ
Perez Moyer
Sheets hasn’t pitched in a year, Happ was a lot better than Pelfrey last season and there is no way Perez is close to Blanton. And Maine is better than Moyer, due to age. But considering that he was injured last season, it shouldn’t be consider a huge advantage. As for Santana, he could be as good as Halladay, but he is also coming from an injury plague season. So until he proves he is healthy the advantage goes to Halladay who will have a chance to win 20 games and have an Era between the low to mid’s 2.00, by moving to the NL (not to mention the Phillies lineup).
Sorry, it should have said:
Santana < Doc
Sheets < Hamels
Pelfrey < Happ
Perez Moyer
But remember, he has to agree to the trade, and he wants to stay in the NL because he likes to hit. He could have gone to the Skanks had he wanted to, but they traded for Vasquez instead.
I’ve said this multiple times now – the author of that report later stated in the comments section that the “RUMOR” was actually his “IDEA” of what may happen. He does not have ANY hard evidence of active conversations between the two teams, and was mearly speculating.
He’s whipped this entire fanbase into a frenzy over this rumor due to a very poor choice in wording.
There may in fact be conversations going on between the two teams, but I haven’t seen any reports out there indicating Zambrano’s willingness to be moved or any progress being made in that direction.
In fact – the author seems to have removed his comment saying that the Zambrano rumor is completely made up in his own mind. Just realize that this guy was speculating and you should temper your expectations appropriately.
What the heck at least it gives us something to talk about! lol
I liked today a lot better before.
agree, Respong to our Gomes discussion Sylow
To MetsCiti: Where did the author write this comment that it si his opinion and not news. Here’s the link and I can’t find the comment you were talking about.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/316076-mets-closing-in-on-bay-molina-zambrano
I would be for Zambrano. Cubs are looking for a CF so maybe Pagan interests them and he’s cheap. I like F-Mart as the backup OF but not sure if they will send him down for more playing time since he won’t start
if the Cubbies take Castillo and then say Maine to replace Zambrano in there rotation it has to be done. If they need a backup C I would even have Santos in the deal. A healthy one two of Santana and Zambrano would be awesome
As I stated below my post, the author appears to have deleted the comment. I guess he was getting so many hits for the post he figured he’d just run with it as fact rather than opinion. I can 100% guarantee you that there was a comment from the author responding to the first poster saying that he doesn’t have an actual source because he was just going off the fact that the Mets need a SP and Zambrano is “available”. For further proof of this, no other website, including MLBTRADERUMORS has even mentioned this story so far, and the only account is from a bleacherreport article which I am guaranteeing you is his opinion.
That’s not to say there isn’t something going on – all I’m saying is this guy has nothing to go on to say this story is fact and is completely misrepresenting his opinion in order to drum up hits on his web page.
thx. There is a new article out saying that he said it is a possibility. I believe you.