Cubs Ace Zambrano Wants Big Bucks

If the Chicago Cubs want to go from worst to first, fans and analyst alike agree that securing ace Carlos Zambrano beyond the 2007 season is key. With the Cubs organization spending big money in the off-season for new skipper Lou Piniella and leadoff slugger Alfonso Soriano, the "Big Z" feels entitled to a piece of the pie.

After all, Zambrano says, he's deserved it. Since his rookie season in 2003, Carlos Zambrano has posted a 59-32 record, posting consistently low ERAs of 3.11, 2.75, 3.26, and 3.41 through last year. The Cubs ace is a workhorse on the mound, too, piling up more than 200 innings in each of the past four seasons. That is an important consideration for any team, and especially a ball club like the Chicago Cubs that has suffered some serious bullpen woes over the past few seasons.

Just for good measure, Carlos Zambrano -- the 6-foot-5, 250-pound Venezuelan -- has become a daunting figure at the plate as well. In 2006 he belted an impressive six home runs in just 73 at-bats.

Zambrano will be a free agent after the 2007 season. He'd like to stay with the Cubs, and he wants the offer extended now. "I'm ready to sign," the Big Z told the Chicago media on Tuesday. "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."

In the biggest spending spree in franchise history, the Cubs committed a total of $317.5 in multi-year deals this off-season. (This includes Notre Dame star Jeff Samardzija, a $10 million prospect who will start the season and likely remain for a while in the Cubs minor league farm system.) The biggest chunks of cash went to manager Lou Piniella and outfielder Alfonso Soriano.

Zambrano, who earned $6 million in 2006, is asking for $15.5 million per season. He would like a new deal signed before opening day. Cubs general manager Jim Hendry acknowledges this, and says that the Cubs as a matter of policy do not negotiate with players heading to free agency during the baseball season.

Citing the seven-year, $126 million contract the San Francisco Giants recently signed with pitcher Barry Zito, who has comparable numbers, Zambrano feels his chances look good for a similar deal in Chicago.

With pitchers and catchers reporting for duty this week, and spring training to be in full swing before we know it, Cubs fans are watching closely to see what transpires with Carlos Zambrano and his contract demands over the next several weeks.

Source: "Big Z Center of Cubs Camp Attention" by Carrie Muskat, MLB.com

Source: "Cubs Ace Zambrano Gives Team Ultimatum" by the AP