Cubs, Zambrano unsuccessful against Braves

The last 2 games for the Cubs were more than disappointing. After dropping a 14-inning game to the Padres due to failure to produce runs late at Wrigley the Cubs did just the opposite Wednesday against the Braves except Zambrano had another shaky outing. As a result the Cubs lost 8-6. I'm not mad at Carlos because I understand how badly he wants to win and the pressure he's under. Somehow this new Chicago club has to come together and function as a whole. They punched out 8 hits yesterday, which was decent and did the same in the 4-3 loss to San Diego.

Already this early in the season, the rotation has pitched real quality innings and did their job, but the offense doesn't execute. It's hard for Miller, Lilly, and Marquis to feel confident when the lineup is constantly scuffling at the plate. Don't get me wrong, it's not everyone. Derek Lee and Ryan Theriot (this guy is very promising) have been consistent and are getting on base often. The problem is the middle to bottom of the order aren't driving in the runs.

One thing I'm pleased with is having Felix Pie in the lineup, filling in for Soriano who's still on the DL. Well...it's about freaking time! Whenever Alfonso returns I believe the offense will be more productive if both outfielders are in the lineup. Lou can bounce Pie around in different spots in the order and see what works best. Back to yesterday's game, it wasn't pretty for Zambrano yet served as a learning experience. Despite this bad outing he avoided the lost as it was recorded to Scott Eyre who came in the 7th. The Cubs ace pitched 6 innings, giving up 5 earned runs on 8 hits and 5 walks. 4 of those runs came from homeruns by Jeff Franceour and Scott Thorman.

The walks obviously are killing Zambrano so this is an immediate area he needs to work on to cut down each game. I don't know if Zambrano is 100%, but maybe he needs to rely less on the fastball and not overwork his pitching arm. This is what plagued Mark Prior and Kerry Wood I think because they would force too many high pitch counts and it got to the point where it effected their control. No one wants this to happen to Carlos. He's the work horse on the team, and in my opinion the most influential leader too.

Maybe he can work out complications with his mechanics and that will correct everything. The Cubs look to rebound today in Atlanta as they send Rich Hill (2-0 0.64 ERA) to the mound against Mark Redman (0-2 12.96 ERA). Nothing besides good things have come from Rich Hill and I look for that to continue. Go get 'em Cubs!