5 Reasons the Florida Marlins Should Acquire Carlos Zambrano

After Zambrano's meltdown this week against the Atlanta Braves, the Cubs have been clear with their intentions when they put Zambrano on the disqualified list. It is clear that neither Zambrano nor the Cubs want to stay together and that it's time for both to head separate ways. 

If the Cubs get rid of Zambrano, the Marlins should pursue his services. Here are 5 reasons why.

Zambrano Needs a Change of Scenery

Zambrano clearly needs to get out of Chicago. His strong performance has been tarnished by his attitude and lack of sportsmanship. But we can't necessarily blame everything on Zambrano alone. The Cubs are a frustrating team to watch, imagine what it must feel like to play for them.

Zambrano is stressed out and is extremely emotional when it comes to games, but it's only because he cares so much about winning. That winning attitude is something that the Marlins lack, and if the Marlins acquire him, he will bring some fire into the clubhouse.  

If he can get out of Cubbie Blue and come to New Miami Ballpark to join the rotation, not only may we see an improvement in performance but also in his attitude. 

The Marlins Need a Starting Pitcher

The Marlins have a decent rotation—when they're healthy that is. With Josh Johnson injured and a lackluster performance by Chris Volstad along with a disappointing year by Javier Vasquez, this Marlins rotation has been inconsistent. 

With the arrival of an above average right-hander like Zambrano, the Marlins could have one of the best rotations in the National League. If the rotation is healthy for 2012, the rotation would like this:

1. Josh Johnson

2. Anibal Sanchez

3. Carlos Zambrano

4. Ricky Nolasco

5. Sean West/Chris Volstad 

The Marlins need to improve their rotation significantly in order to compete with the Phillies and Braves and the only way that can happen is if the Marlins can acquire enough talent to be able to duel with division rival pitchers. The talent is there with Zambrano, and if the Marlins acquire him, the NL east will become a lot more competitive.

The Marlins Can Get Zambrano for a Bargain

Clearly, Zambrano outstayed his welcome in Wrigley Field and Cubs Management wants to get rid of him as quickly as possible. The Marlins should be able to acquire him for a lot less then what the Cubs have been paying him.

If the Cubs are desperate to get rid of him come the offseason, then we can expect the Cubs to eat up some of the contract and let the Marlins trade for him.

If a trade were to come through, I would expect it to be along these lines:

Chris Volstad and Brad Hand 

in exchange for 

Carlos Zambrano and half of his salary paid off.

It may look a tad extreme for Cubs fans, but if you think about it, it's actually a good deal. Cubs fans will get 2 major-league-ready prospects with big league experience and will get rid of one of the biggest pains that they have in their clubhouse. 

The Marlins Need to Make a Big Splash This Offseason

With a new ballpark comes a new city, and along with a new city comes a new breed of fans. 

Marlins management needs to get some attention and needs to get the Marlins fans excited. More importantly, it needs to make a big acquisition this off-season.

The Marlins faithful have been known to not go to ball games and are often referred to as some of the worst fans in baseball. If the Marlins want that to change, a trade for Zambrano would be the solution. 

Out off all the possible acquisitions they could make come the offseason, this one makes some of the most sense. 

The Marlins are increasing payroll, and if the Marlins are willing, they could spend some cash on Zambrano. This move isn't only a move for media attention or to grasp the attention of fans (though it helps). This move could actually make the Marlins a better team and more equipped to make the playoffs. 

If the Marlins want to accomplish anything by the end of the 2012 season, it would be to at least make the playoffs in their new ballpark. 

Ozzie Guillen + Carlos Zambrano = Great Things

The two Venezuelan compadres Carlos Zambrano and Ozzie Guillen could do magic together. Both bad boys from Chicago are overstaying their welcome, and if these two can unite, only good things can happen.  

Both care about one thing, and that is to win ballgames. Ozzie Guillen has been a part of the Marlins organization before and has expressed interest in managing the club. If both are put in a Miami Marlins uniform, then amazing things could happen.

The chemistry between the two would be amazing—the only key to the puzzle would be to get both of them together. 

Odds are that the Marlins will acquire Guillen if Trader Jack is no longer willing to manage the club. If Guillen is managing, I'm sure the Marlins will make a strong push towards acquiring Zambrano.

This last slide is wishful thinking, but it's not impossible. The Marlins can acquire both and if they do, look out because the Marlins are the next big threats in the National League.