Zambrano backs off threat to leave Cubs

Baseball Betting Lines

02/15/2007 -

MESA, Ariz. (AP) -Carlos Zambrano backed off recent comments that he would leave the Chicago Cubs as a free agent after this season if he doesn't get a multiyear contract during spring training.

Although he would rather get a new deal done by opening day, the pitcher said Thursday he would be willing to negotiate next fall. He won't discuss a contract during the season, though.

``They have the first look,'' Zambrano said after the club's initial workout for pitchers and catchers. ``I didn't say that if they don't sign me before the end of spring training I will not sign with the Cubs. I didn't say that. I just said they have till the beginning of the season; if not, I don't want to talk about (a) contract during the season.''

But in an interview with WGN-TV this week, the Cubs' ace was adamant that he would leave as a free agent if he didn't have a multiyear contract by the opener.

``I want to sign with the Cubs before the season starts,'' he told the TV station. ``If they don't sign me, sorry, but I must go. That's what Carlos Zambrano thinks.''

Zambrano, who has an arbitration hearing scheduled for Tuesday, is seeking a deal similar to the seven-year, $126 million contract Barry Zito signed with San Francisco this offseason. But the Cubs are more inclined to sign him for five years.

Whether he signs a long-term contract this spring or not, Zambrano will get a big pay raise.

He earned $6.5 million last season while going 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 strikeouts, then asked for $15.5 million in arbitration. The team countered at $11,025,000, which is more than any player has been awarded.

``I want to stay here,'' Zambrano said. ``I want to sign with the Cubs. I just don't want to talk about a contract during the season.''

The 25-year-old Zambrano watched as the Cubs went on a major spending spree during the offseason, committing about $296 million to acquire and retain free agents. Third baseman Aramis Ramirez re-signed for five years and $75 million - a club record until Alfonso Soriano signed an eight-year, $136 million deal.

Born in Venezuela, Zambrano signed with the Cubs in July 1997 and made his major league debut in 2001. He is 46-21 the past three seasons.

``As a manager, obviously I want the best talent,'' skipper Lou Piniella said. ``Carlos is part of that equation, no question. A big part of it. Let's hope that they can work something out.''Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

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Football Betting: Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards

Oddsmakers have released the odds for the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award and Seattle Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry has been made the opening favorite.

Bet on NFL Football

Seattle took Curry with the fourth overall pick in April's NFL draft and plan on inserting him into its starting lineup right away. The Hawks traded linebacker Julian Peterson in the offseason, so Curry is expected to have a significant role in Seattle's defense next year and that's one of the primary reasons he is the favorite to win the NFL ROY Award.

Oddsmakers from online sportsbook MySportsbook.com have made Curry a 5/1 favorite to win this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Given that he was the best defensive prospect in this year's draft and how he'll have plenty of opportunities to make plays in '09, Curry offers a ton of value at 5/1.

Another thing working for Curry is the position he plays. A linebacker has won the defensive ROY award six straight times and eight of the last nine years. Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis, DeMeco Ryans, Shawne Merriman, Jonathan Vilma, Terrell Suggs, Kendrell Bell and Brian Urlacher were the most recent linebackers to take home the award.

Following Curry at 5/1 are Tyson Jackson (Chiefs) at 7/1, James Laurinaitas (Rams) at 8/1, Brian Orakpo (Redskins) at 10/1, Rey Maualuga (Bengals) at 10/1 and Jerry Peria (Falcons) at 10/1.

All the players mentioned above are expected to start for their respective teams, but Jackson and Peria are going to have a tough time being recognized on a national level given they're both defensive linemen. D-linemen rarely put up the numbers that it takes to win an individual award like the ROY.

A couple of players with some value are Clay Matthews (Packers) at 12/1 and Larry English (Chargers) at 15/1. Matthews is expected to start at outside linebacker in Green Bay's new 3-4 defense and could rack up a ton of tackles. English, who was an impressive player at Northern Illinois, is expected to be a situational pass rusher for the Chargers and could rack up a ton of sacks.

For complete odds on the 2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, see below. And for complete odds for the 2009 AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, click the link provided.

2009 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award

Robert Ayers (DEN) 12/1

Ron Brace (NE) 25/1

Everette Brown (CAR) 16/1

Darius Butler (NE) 40/1

Patrick Chung (NE) 30/1

Aaron Curry (SEA) 5/1

Brian Cushing (HOU) 12/1

Vontae Davis (MIA) 30/1

Louis Delmas (DET) 30/1

Larry English (SD) 15/1

Evander Hood (PIT) 25/1

Tyson Jackson (KC) 7/1

Malcolm Jenkins (NO) 25/1

Paul Kruger (BAL) 50/1

James Laurinaitas (STL) 8/1

Sen'Derrick Marks (TEN) 20/1

Clay Matthews (GB) 12/1

Aaron Maybin (BUF) 15/1

Rey Maualuga (CIN) 10/1

Roy Miller (TB) 20/1

Michael Mitchell (OAK) 45/1

Fili Moala (IND) 30/1

Brian Orakpo (WAS) 10/1

Jerry Peria (ATL) 10/1

B J Raji (GB) 7/1

Clint Sintim (NYG) 35/1

Alphonso Smith (DEN) 40/1

David Verkune (CLE) 20/1

Jason Williams (DAL) 30/1

Field (Any Other Player) 6/1

NFL football gambling

To visit this internet sportsbook go to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.