Chicalorado

The Cubs continued their streak of 14 years without going to arbitration by agreeing to terms with ace Carlos Zambrano shortly before the two sides would’ve had to appear before an arbitrator. According to Cubs.com:

The Cubs and Carlos Zambrano reached agreement Tuesday on a one-year, $12 million contract and avoided arbitration.

This is a great move on a number of different levels. For one, the Cubs only had to pay around a million dollars more than their original offer. Secondly, the two sides didn’t have to get nasty inside an arbitration meeting, possibly souring relations beyond repair. Lastly, now the Cubs can concentrate on what’s really important, signing Big Z long term. If I were Jim Hendry, I would offer a 5 year, $90 million extension.

The Cubs opening day starter is now paid and happy. Congratulations Carlos, you earned this pay raise. Now just stop referring to yourself in the third person. It’s a little too “Keith Hernandez”ish for me.