Carlos Zambrano is a Rich Man

The Cubs and Carlos Zambrano were able to reach a contract agreement yesterday, coming to terms mere minutes before the arbitration meetings were to begin.

The deal is for 1-year and $12.4 million.

He would also earn bonuses for finishing among the top five in Cy Young Award voting, being named MVP of the World Series and League Championship Series, making the All-Star Game, winning the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger award.

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

"I feel good, ready to go," Zambrano said. "I'm ready to lead this team to the championship, to win in this city. The fans deserve us to go to the playoffs and to win for the city of Chicago. I'm here for that."

This is good news for the Cubs and their fans, obviously. Zambrano is that rare breed of Cubs pitcher in that not only is he a phenomenal talent, but he actually manages to, you know, stay healthy and stuff.

It's no secret around here that I'm not the biggest Cubs fan in the world, but it says a lot that I somehow manage to always catch a Cubs game when the Big Z is pitching.

He makes me feel all tingly inside.