Carlos Zambrano to Marlins: 5 More Awful Contracts That Could Be Moved in 2012

Pending physicals and approval from the MLB commissioner's office, Carlos Zambrano has been traded to the Miami Marlins.

The deal serves as the latest precedent for teams who are on the hook for undesirable players and their salaries in 2012.

Unloading an overpaid veteran is never painless. Potential recipients of such a player's services are always aware of the desperation with which his current front office is trying to move him.

In the case of Zambrano, for example, the Chicago Cubs—his former team—will be signing the vast majority of his 2012 paychecks. The Marlins will send over Chris Volstad, a large but ineffective starting pitcher in four MLB seasons, and cover only $2.5 million of the $18 million that Zambrano is due.

However, parting with a volatile player is often worth the upfront expense.

Jason Bay (New York Mets)

Jason Bay isn't quite as pathetic as his recent struggles would suggest.

His power has disappeared and his batting average has bottomed out at .245, but a lot of that can be attributed to Citi Field and it's large dimensions.

No excuse, though, satisfies the New York Mets, who will need to pay him $32 million through 2013 and another $17 million in 2014 if he avoids serious injury.

To get rid of Bay and elevate Lucas Duda to the status of premier corner outfielder, the franchise has pulled the fences in. More home runs from Bay—anywhere in the ballpark of the 36 he slugged in 2009—would make him marketable again.

He will never merit his current annual pay. Even a significant statistical boost can't change the fact that he is strikeout-prone and inept in left field.

Despite this, expect the Mets to cover much of his future salary because they are eager to rebuild immediately.

A.J. Burnett (New York Yankees)

A.J. Burnett was underachieving in his first season with the New York Yankees in 2009. These past two seasons, he has been a cancer on the mound.

He relates to the horrible disease in that he is uncontrollable. Few MLB pitchers have walked and hit more batters and thrown more wild pitches than Burnett since the Yankees signed him.

Two years remain on his free-agency pact—he is guaranteed $16.5 million in both 2012 and 2013.

I believe Burnett is movable only because of his above-average repertoire. His fastball velocity is steadily declining, but the pitch is still effective when located properly. His knuckle-curveball is also a legitimate weapon.

A slim possibility exists that he can become a solid No. 2 in a starting rotation, although that is the best case scenario for him.

More importantly, remember that he is on the Yankees. With their deep financial pockets they could be convinced to cover most, if not all, of Burnett's expenses in a trade (depending on the return).

Travis Hafner (Cleveland Indians)

If you paid close attention to the Cleveland Indians' fiery start in 2011, you surely recall how well Travis Hafner was hitting through early May.

His power was never reminiscent of the "Pronk" of 2005 and 2006—75 combined home runs—but Hafner was in contention for the American League batting title!

However, he tapered off after returning from a midseason stint on the disabled list. Injuries have limited him to fewer than 100 games in three of the past four seasons.

Hafner hasn't played on the field since 2007 and with his offensive abilities diminished, Cleveland and every other franchise knows he won't be worth $13 million this year.

All hope of making a trade is not lost, though.

The Indians' front office can tout his consistency against right-handed pitchers and entertain offers from potential AL partners hoping find a designated hitter or create a platoon at first base. In the NL, I'm afraid he fits in merely as a glorified pinch-hitter.

The Indians might not have to cover his $2.75 million buyout for 2013 if they find a good match.

Carlos Lee (Houston Astros)

On the new-look Houston Astros, Carlos Lee sticks out like a sore thumb...or an awful contract that must go, whichever you prefer.

Houston has unloaded nearly all of its high-priced players over the past two seasons, even those that would eventually be in line for a raise. Examples include Lance Berkman, Michael Bourn, Roy Oswalt and Hunter Pence.

Lee can still be a productive hitter. He is practically a lock for 20 home runs, 90 RBI and a lot of contact.

Unfortunately, he has gotten chubbier. That means no more stolen bases, a much lower batting average and inadequate defense in left field/first base.

He is guaranteed a whopping $18.5 million in 2012, but not a cent after that.

Lee would be what baseball people call a "rental" if a deal is consummated.

Rafael Soriano (New York Yankees)

Coming off a dominant campaign as the closer for the Tampa Bay Rays, Rafael Soriano was in line for a big contract. The surprise was that he got it from New York Yankees, who already had that role filled.

Instead, Soriano was convinced to set up for Mariano Rivera...for $10 million in 2011, $11 million in 2012 and $14 million in 2013.

That would have been excusable had Soriano continued to overwhelm opposing batters in the later innings.

One year in, he has been a disappointment. His 4.12 ERA and 1.30 WHIP were career-worsts for him in a full season.

Moreover, David Robertson and the currently rehabbing Joba Chamberlain have emerged as better set-up options. Former AL All-Star Hideki Okajima was signed for 2012 to further bolster the bullpen.

Soriano is expendable and if management grows impatient with him during the first half of the season, don't be surprised to see him dealt in July.