Carlos Zambrano extended his deadline for reaching a contract extension with the Cubs beyond Opening Day after the two sides made progress on Sunday in Cincinnati. Zambrano had said he didn't want to negotiate past Monday's opener, but with a five-year deal reportedly near, he relented. "Our discussions have progressed to a point where we are extending the deadline for an indefinite period of time," Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver, told the Associated Press on Sunday. "Everything has proceeded in a positive fashion," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. "Carlos has expressed a strong desire to stay, and we'd love to have him. When there's that kind of desire from both sides, things have a way of working out. I don't think he's worried about the time frame of [an Opening Day] deadline."