"For all the posturing about Carlos Zambrano getting yet another chance to "earn his way back'' into the Cubs' clubhouse and rotation, the team's former ace was never in new team president Theo Epstein's plans.

In a move anticipated for months — and, more important, a move Epstein needed to make for his own credibility — the Cubs finally agreed with the Miami Marlins on a deal that unites Zambrano with close friend Ozzie Guillen.

Sources on Wednesday confirmed multiple reports that an agreement is done that nets the Cubs right-hander Chris Volstad, 25, a first-time arbitration-eligible player with potential upside but an unimpressive track record."