Zambrano to remain a Cub
Carlos Zambrano’s long wait paid off. The Chicago Cubs’ talented and emotional ace agreed Friday to a $91.5 million, five-year contract extension that features a 2013 option that could make the deal worth $110.75 million over six seasons.
Zambrano skipped a shot at free agency and its lucrative payday to stay with the only club he’s ever known.
“Not everything is about money, you know,” Zambrano said. “I know if I got to free agency there were a lot of things that would come to me and offer me. I feel comfortable here. I feel good here and my family feels good here.”
The 26-year-old righty, a two-time All-Star, is 14-9 with a 3.86 ERA this season and 78-51 in his big league career. His deal’s $18.3 million average annual value is the highest for a pitcher with a multiyear contract and No. 5 overall behind Roger Clemens ($28 million), Alex Rodriguez ($25.2 million), Manny Ramirez ($20 million) and Derek Jeter ($18.9 million).
Monroe designated
The Detroit Tigers designated slumping outfielder Craig Monroe for assignment, a season after he helped them make a surprising run to the World Series.
The 30-year-old Monroe was hitting only .222 with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs in 99 games.
Monroe batted .255 with 28 homers and 92 RBIs last year, then tied a franchise record by hitting five home runs in the World Series. He tied for second among A.L. outfielders with 12 assists.
Konerko to miss series
Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko will miss this weekend’s series at Seattle following the death of his grandmother.
Konerko flew back to his native Providence, R.I., to be with his family. Rather than fly back to Seattle on Sunday, manager Ozzie Guillen told Konerko to meet the team Monday in Chicago.
Clearing the bases
Baltimore Orioles closer Chris Ray is expected to miss the entire 2008 season after having major surgery on his right elbow. Ray underwent the Tommy John procedure on Thursday. … The Boston Red Sox put backup catcher Doug Mirabelli on the 15-day disabled list after he injured himself in the first game of a doubleheader against the Los Angeles Angels.