[...] anager but it’s a couple of old names—Carlos Zambrano and Alfonso Soriano—who need to return to top form to make Chicago more than a spoiler. The Astros don’t have much in the way of starting pitching (certainly nothing resembling a stopper) and their infield might be the worst in the Major Leagues. The only drama in Houston will be trying to stay ahead of Pittsburgh. Speak [...]

[...] o Cubs (-110) at Milwaukee Brewers - 8:10 PM Carlos Zambrano (1-4, 6.14 ERA) vs. Randy Wolf (4-5, 4.66 ERA) Zambrano has been an ace for a number of years and is trying to regain his old form. He started out the season in his normal starter role, but manager Lou Piniella moved him to the ailing bullpen after just four starts. He returned to start last week against the Houston Astros [...]

[...] r. Chicago Cubs (+110) at Atlanta 4:10 PM Carlos Zambrano (9-7, 3.77 ERA) vs. Derek Lowe (15-10, 4.67 ERA) Zambrano is still a legitimate ace, but the Cubs’ bats need to have a much better year. Lowe had his highest ERA since 2004 in Boston, and there was even talk he might be traded. However, he’s a steady guy who should bounce back nicely this season. San Francisco (-1 [...]

[...] s. 2: How will the rotation shape up? Ace RHP Carlos Zambrano (9-7, 3.77 ERA) needs to bounce back from a down 2009 and lead this Chicago rotation that is facing a few questions. There's concern over when LHP Ted Lilly (12-9, 3.10 ERA) will return to the rotation and how effective he will be. Currently recovering from shoulder surgery, it remains to be seen if Lilly will be ready for the start [...]

[...] . Chicago does have a solid starting rotation in Carlos Zambrano, Ted Lilly, Ryan Dempster, and Randy Wells but Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Geovany Soto can't carry the offense by themselves. The Reds need to turn promise to production, something that could happen this season if youngsters such as Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce and Drew Stubbs continue to improve and the pitching [...]

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