Okay, my Spanish is not the best…but apparently the Phillies have signed former Chicago Cubs pitcher and former Miami Marlins pitcher Carlos Zambrano. The report comes from a Venezuelan website LVMP Campeones.
The report says (in my best possible Spanish translation):
Valencia. - Carlos "El Toro" Zambrano on Friday apparently signed an agreement with Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies , as indicated by a source close to the organization.
The native of Puerto Cabello recently announced a deal with Long Island Ducks in the Atlantic League (an independent league in the United States) but this seems to be limited to paper after signing with the Phillies.
Zambrano had recently signed with the Atlantic League independent team the Long Island Ducks, but with injuries to starters Roy Halladay and John Lannan, the team could sure use some depth. Recently, Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro had remarked that Aaron Cook should have stayed with the Phillies. The Phillies gave Cook his release prior to his contractual opt-out date. Cook signed with the Colorado Rockies and has been stuck at their AAA affiliate, going 0-3 with a 7.40 ERA. Cook's last scheduled start mysteriously never happened.
Zambrano turns 32 on June 6 and lifetime is 132-91 with a 3.66 ERA. Presumably the Phillies are adding some minor league depth that they can turn to in a pinch. One more injury and the Phillies are really in a bad spot. Zambrano is known for having anger issues that led to his release from the Chicago Cubs, despite a $17 million annual salary.
No Phillies beat writers or the team have confirmed this report, but we shall see. Stay tuned.
