Pirates At Cubs: Carlos Zambrano Is Back To Face Pirates

Carlos Zambrano is back on the bump for the Chicago Cubs.  Is there any doubt he is the most entertaining pitcher for Pirates fans?  We haven’t seen a pitcher drive a fan base more crazy in a long time.   He has pitched well since returning from his meltdown, so well in fact that he is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA.

Pirates fans can expect to see the always putrid defensive play

to continue tonight.  With Zambrano on the hill, it will almost certainly mean that Z killer Ryan Doumit will get a start in the outfield as he absolutely owns the right hander.   We certainly won’t see Delwyn Young again as he is 0-for-10 against Z with six strikeouts.

The walks issued by Zambrano concern the best Chicago Cubs blog around, Goat Riders of the Apocalypse, whosaid this about the last start by Z.  If only the Pirates could show patience at the plate tonight, it might pay off.

HOT:  Paul Maholm has been a Cubs killer this season.  He is 3-0 with a 2.25ERA.    He will need to pitch well tonight, because the bullpen will be a man short with Evan Meek resting his bruised right pitching hand courtesy of Ryan Braun yesterday. 

Jose Tabata is hitting .362 since the All-Star break for the best average in the league.  Lastings Milledge has hit safely in 15 of his last 16 starts, but still blows our minds on the basepaths.  It must be mind numbing for Carlos Garcia to watch, because yesterday Garcia turned his back on Milledge after the OF appeared to challenge the Brewers to throw behind him after his single.  It was the norm when watching Milledge on the basepaths– shockingly awful.

NOT:  Andrew McCutchen is in a 2-for-25 slump and Garrett Jones is just 4-for his last-39.  However, Cutch and GFJ have been 35-for-84 against the Cubs pitchers this season with four homers and 18 runs scored.

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Ten Reasons Why Wrigley Field Rocks.  A few hints are below….

Some of Kurt’s fine PS work celebrated Zambrano last season.