The Cubs finished up the weekend series in Colorado, salvaging the series by taking 1-of-3...by the skin of their teeth. All that Carlos Zambrano needed Monday was the 3-run dinger from Phil Nevin (3 hits). That's the way I like it. Not to say that the pitching is going to hold up and the offense will be plentiful for the rest of the season. We all know that's not the case (It usually never is, which saddens me).
You've got to give it to Carlos though, no matter how low the club is he's always ready and willing to give it his best. I truly admire that, especially for a player who's on a losing team that's experienced a series of injuries from their star players. What surprised me, however, last night Zambrano walked 7 batters yet didn't give up a single run. The 3-0 win against the Astros in Houston showed just how dominating Big Z can be on any night.
The stat line on Zambrano: 8 IP 4 H 0 ER 7 BB 5 SO
With the win last night Zambrano (13-5 season) is 6-1 at Minute Maid Park. Sure the lineup produced 10 hits, but they still could've scored a few more runs for their ace. They're lucky because Carlos didn't need much. With the right attitude and motivation I think the Cubs could get the sweep in Houston and let that positive energy carry over to the series in St. Louis. At the moment the Astros and Cardinals are both slipping up a bit in the Central. This should definitely open the door for the Reds.
The best thing for Chicago to do is take full advantage of the opportunity that's presented: gain some ground in the division and improve their record. They're 50-68, currently 12.5 games back which isn't too far away. On the other hand their record isn't good either. It really hurts not having a star-powered pitching rotation or at least another sharp veteran hurler. To me I don't think this team would be any better off now with Prior and Wood. They probably would continue to average only 3-4 innings pitched a game so the ball is in hands of the prospects. They might as well make the most out this one of in a lifetime chance and pitch their heart out.
Mateo (1-0) takes the hill in Houston tonight against Roger Clemens (4-4). It sucks this is how things work out. It most likely won't be a pretty night for the young pitcher or the Cubs. They still can get to Clemens if they're patient and make him get tired towrard mid-innings. Good luck with that happening! Jones, Barrett, and Pierre have to take charge in the lineup. Go Cubs!
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