Zambrano Wants To Sign With Cubs

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano says he’s ready to sign; the Cubs just need to put a reasonable contract offer in front of him.  He’d sacrifice the chance to hit the open market after the season.  It appears that five years and $90MM would get the job done.  Zambrano would be likely to exceed Barry Zito’s 7/126 on the open market, so this is a discount.  He’d still be the highest-paid Cub. 

Back in April, it was five years, $80MM.  The Cubs have cost themselves $10MM by waiting, and that amount will continue to increase if Zambrano finishes strong and/or actually gets to free agency.

Zambrano has bounced back from a lousy start, and now his numbers are in line with career marks.  I have to admit that in May I suggested that even 5/80 was a bad idea for the Cubs.  Has Zambrano’s performance since then changed my mind?  It certainly makes the decision tougher.  I don’t have a good answer here; it depends on what the Cubs would do with the money if they let Z walk.