Disappointing

What a shame that the Cubs could not do better in the rubber match of the series. Zambrano is key to surviving this season until the Broke Arm Mountain boys get back. Zambrano again came unglued during a game. I don’t know if it was his participation in the World Baseball Classic or something else that are giving him these bad starts and brain farts. Sure Zambrano is leading the league in strike outs, but he doesn’t have one win in three starts. Zambrano and Maddux have to carry us until Wood, Miller, and Prior arrive, and Maddux is holding up his end. Zamrano was called for a balk, made a throwing error, hit a batter, and gave up two homers. He is no longer a kid anymore, he is a pitcher who has been in this league for a while and shouldn’t have a performance like that. At least he was able to pitch six innnigs and not have to dip into the bullpen early. Zambrano doesn’t need to pitch better, he needs to pitch smarter. These lapses in concentration and losing his cool are costing the Cubs runs. Granted, the Cubs were with out Ramirez and Jones again, but the Cubs should have hit better also. Ohman looked terrible again, giving up more runs and his era is getting close to 30. Zambrano is putting to much pressure on himself, he needs to settle down. The trouble is, with Wood, Miller, and Prior out, the pitching line up for the series with the Pirates is Marshall, Williams, and Rusch. Not exactly dominating. Luckily, its against the Pirates, but the Cubs offense has to come up big. They are only half a game out of first, and staying close to the pack. The Cubs need to shake off the series against the Reds, come in to Pitt hungry, and get another sweep. For Rusch and Williams, this is it. Put up or leave. That’s the way I look at it. If you can’t pitch aganist the Pirates, then you don’t belong in this league. Just in case Rusch, Williams, and Ohman stink it up, here is a look at how some of the youngsters are looking down on the farm. I am really hoping they call up Hill to replace Rusch, Guzman to replace Williams, and Novoa or Aardsma to be brought into the bullpen in case Ohman can’t cut it.