Zambrano says he's happy with trade to Marlins

[January 13, 2012]  CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Carlos Zambrano is excited about the trade that sent him from the Chicago Cubs to the Miami Marlins, expressing confidence that it will rejuvenate his career.

The hot-tempered pitcher was a three-time All-Star with the Cubs, but he feuded with teammates, management and umpires. Miami is hoping he will get back on track while pitching for his Venezuelan countryman, new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen.

"This is like a rebirth in my career, and I say so because it is a new experience, a change that creates a new opportunity," Zambrano said Thursday in his first public comments since the deal.

Zambrano was 125-81 with a 3.60 ERA during 11 seasons with the Cubs, a rocky tenure that ended Aug. 12. He was ejected from a game, cleaned out his locker, talked about retiring and was suspended without pay.

He was sent to the Marlins last Thursday for fellow right-hander Chris Volstad. Zambrano, due to earn $18 million this season in the final year of his contract, waived his no-trade clause to accept the deal.

"My time with the Cubs was very successful except for the last two years," he said. "But I would say there were 11 years of success and would like to be remembered well in Chicago. Unfortunately the last two years there was no mutual understanding on either side and many things happened."

The 30-year-old Zambrano expressed gratitude to the Marlins for having confidence in him.

"Going to Miami will be more relaxed, waiting to do my job and together with my teammates trying to win with this team," he said.

[Associated Press]

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