As one might expect, teams around baseball are calling Jim Hendry about Carlos Zambrano’s availability. Ken Davidoff writes that he would have a long list of suitors, likely including the Yankees and Mets.
After spending all that money this offseason, the Cubs would probably not make a Zambrano trade that would significantly weaken them this year. That means they’d need a young MLB-ready starter in return, perhaps akin to when the Astros got Jason Hirsh for Jason Jennings.
Couple of clubs that could pull this off, in my opinion, are the Twins and Angels. The Twins could part with a Matt Garza, Kevin Slowey, or Glen Perkins. The Angels could surrender Nick Adenhart. The Tribe could give up Adam Miller. Those guys might still have some growing pains to endure in the AL, but a move to the NL Central could make them instant contributors. That would save some face for the Cubs. I could also see the Mets parting with Mike Pelfrey, though he hasn’t appeared quite ready for The Show. If Jason Schmidt flops, maybe the Dodgers would deal Chad Billingsley for a new ace.
I know, I know – your team’s best pitching prospect isn’t going anywhere for a rental. It’s not very common these days. Barry Zito played out the string with Oakland, and I could see the other Z doing the same with Chicago. But I do believe the Cubs would look for a near MLB-ready starter in return in any deal this summer. I don’t see much of a match for the Yanks.
