Chicago Cubs Carlos Zambrano Wanted by Royals If Cubs Pay the Freight

We all know that the Cubs would love to be rid of headache known as Carlos Zambrano. and while there is apparently a suitor for his services, the Cubs would have to pay the majority of his contract.

While the Cubs do not appear to have much leverage in this situation, they also do not appears to be willing to bring Big Z back to finish the last year of his five-year, $91.5 million contract.

Unlike Alfonso Soriano, Zambrano actually would seem to have value for teams looking for starting pitching.

Putting aside the $18 million owed to Zambrano for 2012, this is a guy who is 125-81 in his career, with a 3.60 ERA.

Last year, despite his tantrums, Big Z was 9-7 for a bad Cubs team.

So, unlike other Cubs tied to big-money contracts, Zambrano is actually a decent pitcher who has value for clubs that do not place an emphasis on teamwork.

Meanwhile, along comes a club like the Kansas City Royals, who would like to add Zambrano to a team that is building through youth yet wants to win.

They probably see an opportunity to get a good starting pitcher on the cheap without having to give up top prospects.

But are the Cubs agreeable to this deal?

Well, I am sure that Theo Epstein and new Cubs brain trust understand that they do not hold the leverage in any deal involving Zambrano.

But if they can get a serviceable prospect even if it means they have to pay more of Zambrano's salary, why not?

So, while there is no rush to move Big Z, the Cubs and other clubs know that they need to trade him. The Cubs simply cannot afford to open the season with Zambrano on the roster and other teams know this.

While the Cubs brass is smart, they also realize that they don't want a clubhouse pariah and especially after the Red Sox collapse, they are tuned in to that kind of stuff.

Meanwhile, Zambrano won't garner much in the way of return talent, but the salary relief could help. But the Royals are just taking advantage of the situation.