Cubs Plan on Shopping Zambrano

This season has been one of immense disappointment for the Chicago Cubs. They were expected to cruise to their third consecutive division title in what was perceived as a weak NL Central in 2009, but with a few weeks remaining in the season, they instead find themselves 9 1/2 games behind the Cardinals and 6 1/2 games out of the wild card.

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano has had his part in failing to meet expectations, as he's spent two stints on the disabled list and been suspended for six games this year. When he has been on the mound, he hasn't been the ace the Cubs need either, going 8-6 with a 3.77 ERA in 24 starts. He could also be one of the changes the Cubs decide to make this offseason as there's word out of Chicago that the Cubs will listen to offers on Zambrano this winter.

Despite the fact that Zambrano has a full no-trade clause, the Cubs plan on shopping him this off-season, sources said, believing he'll waive the clause to go to the right team, as Jake Peavy eventually did when the Padres consummated a deal this summer with the White Sox.

Zambrano said recently he's weary of the media scrutiny after being criticized for playing softball on a scheduled day off during his rehab stint.

When questioned about the possibility of being traded this offseason Zambrano joked that it might not be a bad thing because he might be able to "do what I want." I don't want to tell him that that's not the case, because if anybody is going to take on the rest of Zambrano's contract ($73 million through 2013) it won't be a small-market team without a lot of media scrutiny.

Of course, even if the Cubs do shop Zambrano that doesn't mean they're going to find a dance partner. Sure, there are bound to be teams interested in adding Zambrano to their rotation, but will they have enough to offer in return to convince the Cubs to pull the trigger?

I'm guessing prospects won't do the trick for a team that is under more pressure to win, and win now, than at any time in recent history.