Angels 6, Cubs 4

Carlos Zambrano finally gave up a run this spring during today's loss, after 15 scoreless innings over 4 starts. Zambrano and Derrek Lee both homered, accounting for 3 of the 4 Cub runs. Zambrano hit a solo shot in the third, and Lee hit a two-run homer following a Jeromy Burnitz double in the fourth. Henry Blanco drove in the 4th run in the 9th inning. Zambrano gave up 3 runs, 9 hits and a walk over 5+ innings, and struck out 3.

With each start, Zambrano solidifies his position as the Cubs' best starter. Not only is his stuff just as good (or better) than Prior's or Wood's, but he's a workhorse with no history of injury problems. Prior may be the "Franchise", but Carlos is simply "#1". When Dusty gave Z the opening day assignment, he finally used his head and realized that Z is the best we've got.

In case you didn't know, Matt Clement was my favorite Cub. I was devastated when the Cubs let him walk. Take away the record (9-13, due to poor run support), and you've got a solid pitcher easily capable of 15+ wins. After looking over his game logs from last year, it is clear that he got cheated out of quite a few wins, and got stuck with quite a few losses. I counted 6 games in which he pitched 6 or more innings, allowed 3 or fewer runs, and did not get a win. It really is a shame. Now, with Prior and Wood battling injuries and the 5th rotation spot still unclaimed, the Cubs could sure use a guy like Clement in the rotation; someone who eats innings and throws a lot of quality starts. Despite his unfortunate departure, I will keep on wearing my Clement jersey with pride.


If you haven't seen the trailers for Star Wars: Episode III, check them out now. You will be blown away! I am counting down the days until the film is released (May 19: 55 days left!)