Zambrano World

Cubs 5 Giants 3

It is becoming pretty obvious that this is Carlos Zambrano's World and we all just live in it. What can Big Z not do? He is 7-1 since the All-Star break. He is hitting .286 (.63 points higher than Patterson). He struck out the last five batters he faced last night and scored the go ahead run, after a single to start the inning. Zambrano ended up going 2 for 2. The big moment that impressed me was when the Giants came back to tie the game, Zambrano looked like he was going to have one of his classic meltdowns. He calmed down and continued to play the game. Zambrano is quickly becoming one of the top 5 pitchers in the league and yes, the ACE of the Cubs. Can Prior and Wood ever catch up?

Ronny Cedeno had his first 3 hit game of his career and continued playing a VERY good shortstop. Nomar continued his hot streak, driving in 3 RBI's, including the 2 to give the Cubs the lead. And what more can I say about Derek Lee? A triple with 2 outs...on a winning team he would be the National League MVP.

Hats off to Jerry Hariston Jr. He made 2 of the best catches you will ever see in centerfield, ala Jim Edmonds. Check out mlb.com to see the highlights. Hariston has been playing a lot better after his return from the DL.

The Cubs are now 6-1 in September and 2 games under .500, tied for 3rd with the Brewers. Where has this been all year?

Friday - Jerome Williams(5-7/4.77) vs. Matt Cain(1-1/2.25)

Jerome Williams will make his first start against his former team on Friday. Williams was acquired in May from the Giants, along with David Aardsma for LaTroy Hawkins. Williams will have his hands full with a very talented Giants lineup that could include Barry Bonds. Williams has to have his A-game on Friday. He is facing Matt Cain, a young phenom, who is only 20 years old, and was listed as the top prospect in the Giants system when the season started. Hopefully Dusty will continue to play Cedeno who has recorded multiple hits in 4 of the last 7 games that he has played, and has also scored 5 runs in 7 games. A win on Friday would bring the Cubs to within 1 game of .500 with 21 games left in the season.

Play the kids, be patient....and just win!!!