Zambrano Re-Signs, Cubs Fans Finally Breathe

Carlos Zambrano has officially signed a new deal that will allow him to pitch and scream like a mad man in Wrigleyville for at least the next five years. The deal, 5 years $91.5 million with a sixth year player option for 19.25, locks Zambrano in until the age of 31 when he will likely land another monster deal.

The Tribune Tower seems to be trying to correct all of its wrongs in one year with the addition of Ted Lily, Jason Marquis, Alfonso Soriano, Mark DeRosa, and Lou Pinella last offseason, and now they have locked in Zambrano as well. The original deal the Cubs and Zambrano agreed to prior to the team's For Sale announcement in April was for around 5 years and $80 million, so in effect dragging this out cost future Cubs management $11 million.

As for Cubs fans, we can all breathe now. Obviously the way Carlos had been speaking lately, he had no intention of leaving, but being born only during the Tribune's rule of the team I was skeptic. With this deal however, the Cubs look to have sent a sign that things are indeed about to change. I can only hope that this news helps Zambrano focus after a few tough starts.

Zambrano re-signs, Wrigleyville giddy [foxsports.com]