Report: Carlos Zambrano Signs With L.I. Ducks, Joins Dontrelle Willis In Rotation
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The independent Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League have long been known for giving has-been ballplayers a chance.
The minor-league club based in Central Islip, N.Y., has had such prominent former big leaguers as John Rocker, Carl Everett, Edgardo Alfonzo and Juan Gonzalez on its roster over the years.
The Ducks currently have Ian Snell, Ramon Castro, Josh Barfield and Ben Broussard -- all former major leaguers -- on their squad. And Dontrelle Willis, a two-time major league All-Star and the 2003 National League Rookie of the Year, is also pitching for Long Island.
As it happens, another former major league All-Star is on the way.
According to Ryan Dunleavy of the Courier News, Carlos Zambrano signed a contract with the Ducks earlier this week.
The 31-year-old, formerly one of the top pitchers in the National League, was a three-time All-Star in the majors and the NL wins leader in 2006. He pitched for Chicago from 2001-2011 before being traded to the Marlins in 2012.
Known for temper tantrums and outbursts throughout his career, the former Cub earned $18 million last season.
But he didn't exactly earn his hefty salary. Zambrano went 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA in 132 1/3 innings pitched for Miami last season. A free agent at the end of last season, he wasn't invited to spring training by any big-league clubs.
The Ducks signed nine-time MLB All-Star and former American League MVP Vladimir Guerrero in April. He is currently on the team's roster but on the inactive list. According to Ducks President and General Manager Michael Pfaff, "his arrival has been delayed while he tends to issues of a family/personal nature at his home in the Dominican Republic."
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
