Is Big Z taking His Talents to Miami?
By Chuck Sudo in News on Oct 3, 2011 6:40PM
Now that Ozzie Guillen is firmly ensconced with the Marlins, could another local baseball player who wore out his welcome be joining the Mouth That Roared? Carlos Zambrano listed his River Forest home on the market last week for a cool $969,000. Now comes a report from Venezuelan publication El Nacional that Zambrano could join Guillen with the renamed Miami Marlins.
Big Z and Guillen have a close personal relationship: two years ago Zambrano dined with Guillen at Cibo Matto after his meltdown in Sox Park in which he had to be restrained from going after Derrek Lee. With a re-branded team moving into a brand new ballpark next season and an owner with deep pockets in Jeffery Loria, it's possible.
Also possible? The Cubs, who owe Zambrano a year and $18 million, may simply release the pitcher in exchange for deferring some of the money. Regardless, nothing will happen regarding the Cubs and Zambrano until the Chicago National League Ballclub hires a new general manager and a grievance for the $3 million Zambrano lost in wages this season is resolved.