Z Gets Hit Around in Return

For all the pumping up of Z I've been doing the past day (I stick by it by the way) he was awful in his return tonight. He only lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up eight runs (3 after he left, thanks a lot Aaron Heilman) and really didn't have his good stuff. He did hit a homer though, which accounted for the only meaningful Cubs offense the whole night. 

Not that it mattered given the poor pitching, but it was another struggle tonight from the Cubs bats virtually across the board. Zambrano got the homer, and Milton Bradley was able to get two hits, but the rest of the team did nothing. Ryan Theriot, Derek Lee, Aramis Ramirez, and Kosuke Fukudome all struggled big time at the plate. Geovany Soto was his typical pathetic self (with his bi-weekly double snuck in), and Mike Fontenot was just as bad as he has been all season.

Really it was the story of the season in one night again. Complete failure in every single aspect of the game. It even included appearances from both Aarons. Heilman gave up a grand slam and Miles stuck out after a 3-0 count. Perfect. So much for home healing all wounds. 

The season is over, it has been for some time really, but this game just reinforces that fact even more. At least Milton Bradley had a decent game, though I'm sure he did something to offend somebody.

The concern for Soriano's knee might not be shared by most Cubs fans, but it is a major concern. If Soriano's knee really has been bothering him for the past four months then that explains much of what has gone on this season. I know playing hurt isn't considered a virtue when Soriano does it, but you have to give him credit for trying to help out the team even if it hasn't worked out.

Any results from Soriano's upcoming MRI will be put up here ASAP because it really could change the whole way we look at his season. I also had another Z defense lined up, but I think I'll save that for after one of his next start. Instead I'll either pick on Theriot or Soto or Fontenot. Plenty of guys to blame and quite frankly I don't feel like defending any Cub not named Milton Bradley right now.