Deal For "Big Z" Looks Promising

It appears that Carlos Zambrano will get his wish and will remain a Cub. The two sides seem to agree that a deal will get done before tomorrow, which is the deadline Zambrano gave the team to sign him. He isn't a free agent until next season, however, he did state that if a contract was not signed before the start of the season, no talks would continue until the season was over. Given this case, if the Cub's didn't sign Zambrano he was free to walk.

The deal is believed to be at the 5 year mark, but the financials of the deal is still being worked out. Apparently the Cubs are offering a little less than what Barry Zito received from the Giant's this offseason. Zambrano also stated he would take less to stay in Chicago.

Signing Zambrano would solidify their staff, and if Kerry Wood and Mark Prior could ever get healthy, Chicago could have one of the best pitching staff's in baseball. Too bad that is a BIG IF! Expect the Zambrano deal to be offical in the next 24 hours.

In other news, Freddy Sanchez, last year's NL batting champion will start the season on the DL. He is still suffering ill-effects from his knee sprain and will make sure he is fully healed before returning to the lineup. This is good for the Pirates, given Sanchez is one of their better players and could have a break out year at the plate. No one expects Pittsburg to make the playoffs this year regardless, so keep your best players healthy.