9/15 No-trade clause

Lou Piniella said he envisions a season when Carlos Zambrano wins 20 games. It’s possible.

“He’s signed here for another three, four years,” Piniella said. “He’s got ample time to do the things that were envisioned when he signed the contract. Hopefully, he will. He’s a talented young man.”

There were reports Tuesday that the Cubs may try to deal Zambrano this offseason. They’d have to get his permission. He has a no-trade clause in his contract. Piniella didn’t know the details of Big Z’s deal.

“You can ask Jim [Hendry],” Piniella said. “I don’t know what the different contracts have — I know mine has a no trade.”

Hendry, the Cubs’ general manager who has had to shoot down several rumors over the course of his tenure, popped into the dugout and quipped: ”I want Lou back next year — did you hear the rumor?”

– Carrie Muskat