Zambrano Jokes About Cardinals

OK, this is barely newsworthy.  But it’s still rumorish and I have gotten a few emails on the topic.  Yesterday in the clubhouse, Carlos Zambrano joked that his next catcher would be Yadier Molina.

I think it’s just Z messing around, but it doesn’t take much to stir up Cubs fans.  It’s worth considering: could the Cardinals sign Zambrano after the season?

St. Louis doesn’t have much salary coming off the books in just Kip Wells and David Eckstein.  And they’ll need a replacement at shortstop if they don’t retain Eckstein.  What’s more, several players will see their salaries escalate by a million or so.  Some major creativity on Walt Jocketty’s part would be required to keep the 2008 payroll under $100MM. 

I can see the Cardinals flirting with Zambrano this winter though.  Jocketty often flirts with the top free agent starter.  In the past it’s been Mike Hampton, Pedro Martinez, and A.J. Burnett, according to Larry from Viva El Birdos.

Speaking of VEB, Larry had a humorous baseball-related exchange with some lawyers while up for jury-duty.  Have a read.