10 replies to this topic

[jtfromthed]

Not really bets as in betting money. I've seen a lot of conversations in the comments about whether or not a lot of us think Zambrano will be starting the 2012 season in a cubs uniform, so after checking through the past posts I thought this might be a good thread where we can post our predictions. Then we can give a big (but good natured) "I told you so" when something happens.

Personally I think Z will start the season on the cubs in the #3 slot in the rotation.

[Brett]

At the start of the offseason, I put the chances of a Z return at 15%. With each day that passes and he isn't traded, that percentage necessarily has to creep up. I'm probably at about 20% right now.

[eporter34]

Can you imagine, at this time, without knowing who the new regime may trade for or sign as a free agent, a rotation without both Garza and Big Z? Dempster, Wells, Coleman, Smardzjia.... Scary, for fans of the Cubs, not for the opposition.

[jtfromthed]

Can you imagine, at this time, without knowing who the new regime may trade for or sign as a free agent, a rotation without both Garza and Big Z? Dempster, Wells, Coleman, Smardzjia.... Scary, for fans of the Cubs, not for the opposition.

My line of thought as well, the only way I could see getting rid of Z is if we could land both CJ Wilson and Mark Buerhle, or something reasonably similar through trade. Not sure we'd have the trade pieces to do that (that we would want to part with).

Nobody knows what this offseason will bring, but with the lack of pitching available this winter I have a hard time seeing them getting rid of Z.

[King Jeff]

I think Zambrano is going to play nice, and if he's not affected by his broken face too much, I think he's going to continue to improve in winter ball. I say he's a solid bet to return, I'll put it at 80%.

[Jes Beard]

Those thinking Zambrano will not be on the Cubs next year seem to be forgetting that he is a 10 and 5 player, meaning the only way the Cubs can trade him is if he approves it. Forget about his salary, if he wants to remain on the Cubs, he remains on the Cubs. The Cubs can not cut him without eating his entire salary, and they can not trade him unless he wants to be traded. The news reports about how the Theocracy have decided to put him on a short leash and make him behave are laughable. The Cubs are holding virtually no cards in dealing with Zambrano.

[MC2]

I have a feeling some of the things Zambrano has been bitching about are no longer issues or with the team anymore. That being said I think he comes in with new Front Office people, New Coaches, New Players, and a New Attitude. I honest believe he is on his way to having one of the best seasons he's ever had... ...

[Brett]

Those thinking Zambrano will not be on the Cubs next year seem to be forgetting that he is a 10 and 5 player, meaning the only way the Cubs can trade him is if he approves it. Forget about his salary, if he wants to remain on the Cubs, he remains on the Cubs. The Cubs can not cut him without eating his entire salary, and they can not trade him unless he wants to be traded. The news reports about how the Theocracy have decided to put him on a short leash and make him behave are laughable. The Cubs are holding virtually no cards in dealing with Zambrano.

I don't know that folks are forgetting it, so much as believing that Z would approve a trade. He's said he would, and it's understandable why he might want to leave.

[ncsujuri]

As we get closer to the days that pitchers and catchers report it goes up daily...we shall see once the meetings start in a few days if a market materializes...65%

[jtfromthed]

bumping for today's article... That probability jump up for any of you guys after reading this?

[Brett]

I'm up to 35% (would have been 40%, but for the most recent Winter Meetings update - Marlins have checked in on the Cubs' asking price for Zambrano).