Come to Think of it: Cubs Carlos Zambrano To Mets Rumor Refuses To Die

While Cubs GM Jim Hendry continues to insist that Carlos Zambrano isn't available, rumors to the contrary continue to surface.

The New York Post seems to think that Zambrano is readily available.

Sherman wrote today in the New York Post that "two AL officials say the Cubs are definitely dangling Zambrano," while acknowledging Zambrano's unwillingness to approve a trade.

Zambrano, 28, has a full no-trade clause and at least $53.75MM remaining on his contract over the next three years. Zambrano's agent Barry Praver has spoken out multiple times about trade rumors, recently telling the Chicago Tribune :

"Jim [Hendry] has not approached us about Carlos waiving the no-trade provision of his contract, nor is Carlos interested in waiving it."

For his part, Hendry continues to dismiss such rumors.

"I fully expect him to come back in 2010 and pitch like the old Big Z."

I agree. I personally don't expect Zambrano to be available, but what if he were? What would the Mets be willing to offer the Cubs in a deal?

Well, Luis Castillo would be a start. He could potentially fill two Cubs needs: leadoff and second base.

But just providing Hendry with salary relief might be enough. The money saved from a trade of Big Z could be used to obtain a starter like Joel Piniero, for example.

Would a huge salary be acceptable to the Mets? Well, it seems so. An addition of Jason Bay and Zambano, combined with the return of formerly injured stars, would go a long way to restoring the Mets as legitimate contenders in the NL East.

The Mets need starting pitching and Omar loves Latin ballplayers, so a trade may be on the horizon.