Yesterday, we heard the Yankees linked–though it was obviously a fabricated link–to someone they’ve been linked to before: Carlos Zambrano. Two Chicago writers penned scenarios that would send Big Z to the Yankees.
Bruce Levine of ESPN Chicago thinks the Cubs could get Joba Chamberlain or Brett Gardner for Zambrano, but that’s an absolute joke. There’s no way the Yankees would do that, and the MLBTR article says that, too. The only way Zambrano comes to the Yankees is going to be if the Cubs are doing a straight salary dump. He’s scheduled to make $17.875M this year, is guaranteed $18M in 2012, with a vesting option for 2013 worth $19.25M “1) he is first or second in 2011 Cy Young vote or if he finishes in top 4 in 2012 Cy Young vote and 2) he is healthy at end of 2012″ (Cot’s).
That’s…ugly. But, since we’re trying to be fair, let’s look at the numbers.
Zambrano’s strikeouts are down to 6.02 (8.12 in 2010, 7.63 career), but so are the walks at 2.80 (4.04 career). His groundball rate is trending downwards, which is not encouraging, but he’s doing a good job of keeping the ball in the park with a HR/FB% at 5.6, which is about what it’s been in the last few years. His ERA/FIP/xFIP line is more or less fine at 3.98/3.57/4.12 as well.
The numbers match up and if the Cubs were willing to get nothing but money and a very, very, very minor prospect in return this might make sense, if not for the contract. That contract is just absolutely awful and regardless of the small prospect price, the Yankees need to just say no to Zambrano. Not only is the idea that Levine floated incredibly unrealistic, but so is any trade involving Zambrano to the Yankees (or probably anyone for that matter).
Why bother writing about this, then? Well, because things like this need to be nipped in the bud immediately. Obviously it doesn’t matter that much since the guys that matter don’t pay attention to this stuff, but the more writers that run with things, the more legs things like these get in the rest of the media/blogosphere and that’s just frustrating. As friend of the blog Joe Pawlikowski likes to say your trade proposal sucks.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
13 Responses to Could Zambrano be a real target?
Leave a Reply
TIQ IQ
Just say no to Big Z
My post in five words + one letter.
The thought is nauseating.
Certainly a scary thought at any price, although for a low level prospect/org player and with the Cubs eating some of the salary, I could see the Yankees taking a chance. It’s just scary to think of what he might do to the clubhouse/team chemistry. This guy is a real crap-shoot.
There’s no way they should give up a player of Joba’s or Gardner’s caliber for him!
Sometimes you wonder how these people get their own articles on ESPN. He not only says Joba or Gardner, but also a top hitting prospect. What a joke.. aside from that I would consider Zambrano. He is definitely better than Nova (and probably Garcia) and and if we can get the cubs to pay a large amount of that salary it won’t be a huge risk. I think we are in a pretty desperate mode for pitchers, everyone seems to take for granted that Garcia and Colon hold up while Nova will continue to outperform is peripherals… something is bound to fall apart soon
I’d want them to pick up at least half of the 2012 salary and I doubt they’d want that w/o getting something legitimate back in terms of a prospect.
Zambrano for anybody is a huge mistake. Even if the Cubs ate most of his salary I don’t think the Yankees should bit. He’s a cancer. All the Yankees need to do is wait for the trade deadline there are certainly going to be sellers. Maybe Oakland, Twins, Dodgers, White Sox are possibilities and who knows who else. Heck who knows maybe even the Angles might decide if they are are out of it to see what Weaver could bring. He still has a year of FA but you never say never. There will be options available.
Maybe Big Z for Soriano? Money is close to a wash. Only question is if the Cubs would want such an expensive, injured middle reliever. Guess it depends on how much they want to get rid of Zambrano.
I’ve actually heard they are shopping Wood, doubt they want to take on another reliever.
Career NL pitcher. Makes too much. Headcase. The Yankees are already overpaying for Burnett, Jeter, and A-Rod and are stuck with Soriano unless he opts out after this year cuz he’s bullheaded enough to think he’s a closer (doubtful he’ll opt out.)
One word: NO.
over weight , over paid, arrogant, NL pitcher..if cubs ate half his salary for the term of his contract.. and would not expect a top prospect, i would take him. between CC and MO, I believe his attitude would change. if this was a real thought, rothchild would be the person make the call either way.
I have to reiterate Peter’s comment; how do these guys get regular columns for national media outlets? It boggles the mind. I guess Zambrano is better than Nova and Garcia, but his price is just too high. Cubs would have to eat at least half of his salary and take an awful minor league outfielder or something.
anyway, I hate it when these national columnists make up trade scenarios – I know they have to write about something, but surely there are stories to go get. don’t be lazy. make some calls, do a real story. besides, i like to be surprised by trades – its fun, like Christmas morning or something…
[...] for me, it would appear that the Yankees have “zero interest in Carlos Zambrano. I cannot say how [...]