The Chicago Cubs are close to completing a deal that will send right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano to the Miami Marlins, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. Rosenthal adds that Zambrano still needs to waive his no-trade clause, although he's presumably willing to play for fellow Venezuela native Ozzie Guillen.
Presumably, the Cubs will need to eat a significant portion of Zambrano's $18 million salary for 2012. The 30-year-old hasn't been a dominant starting pitcher in years, most recently posting a 4.82 ERA over 145 innings for the Cubs in 2011. He's also had numerous incidents with the team over the years, culminating with his placement on the disqualified list in August 2011 for a post-game tirade.
The Marlins are now looking at a projected 2012 rotation of Josh Johnson, Mark Buehrle, Anibal Sanchez, Ricky Nolasco and Zambrano, with Chris Volstad as the sixth starter or possible trade bait. They likely won't have to give up much for Zambrano in terms of prospects or money, so this is a somewhat high-upside/low-risk move for them as long as Ozzie can keep Big Z in line.
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