The Cubs are facing the Brewers for the 4th time this year. The Cubs took 2 or 3 from the Brewers at Miller field April 6-8th. Last year the Brewers and Cubs split their meetings 8-8, including going 4-5 at Wrigley Field. Today’s Game will Feature Carlos Zambrano (1-2, 7.77) vs Claudio Vargas (1-0, 3.46)
Carlos Zambrano
Carlos Zambrano continued his struggles during his last outing. Walks were once again a problem as he walked five and allowed 8 hits and 5 runs in 6 innings pitched. The good news is most of the damage was done in the first inning and Big Z, was able to recover and throw some innings before turning it over to the bullpen in the 7th. A little more good news, Zambrano’s one win and only quality start this year came against the Brewers in Milwaukee on April 7th. Zambrano has a 8-7 career record agains the Brewers (4.17 era, 101.1 innings pitched in 16 starts and one reliever apperance).
Claudio Vargas
Claudio Vargas has pitched pretty well this year in 2 starts and one apperance. He has allowed 5 runs in 13 innings(3 of those were against the Cubs). He is coming off a a career high 11 strikeout game. Vargas is a pretty good 5th starter but he does have his weaknesses. He tends to keep the ball up and will give up quite a few HRs. This should play into the power hittings Cub’s hands especially at Wrigley Field. His career against the Cubs has been brutal. He is 0-2 with a 9.00 era in 5 apperances (1 start) which is good for 12 innings and 12 ER. At the plate he is terrible owning a career .077 AVG
Transactions
Alfonso Soriano is back in the Lineup today and he will be playing left field. Rocky Cherry was called up from AAA and Wade Miller was put on the DL with back Spasms.
Brewers vs Zambrano in order of Success:
Prince Fielder (.385, 5-13, 1 RBI)
Rickie Weeks (.294, 5-17, 1 HR, 3 RBIs)
Geoff Jenkins (.289, 11-38, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs)
Criag Counsell (.286, 4-14, 1 RBI)
Gabe Gross (.250, 1-4)
Damian Miller (.231, 3-13, 1 RBI)
Johnny Estrada (.222, 2-9)
Bill Hall (.185, 5-27, 4 RBIs)
Corey Koskie (.167, 1-6, 2 RBIs)
J.J. Hardy (.167, 1-6)
Tony Gwynn (.000, 0-1)
Corey Hart (.000, 0-3)
Cubs vs Claudio Vargas in order of Success:
Matt Murton (1.000, 2-2, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Ronny Cedeno (1.000, 1-1, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
Michael Barrett (.500, 2-4, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Cliff Floyd (.429, 3-7, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Aramis Ramirez (.400, 4-10, 1 HR, 3 RBIs)
Cesar Izturis (.333, 4-12, 1 RBI)
Jacque Jones (.286, 2-7, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Derrek Lee (.250, 2-8)
Mark DeRosa (.167, 1-6, 2 RBI)
Alfonso Soriano (.000, 0-3)
