Zambrano's Departure Concerns Cubs

Chicago Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano left last night's game after telling pitching coach Larry Rothschild that he "wasn't feeling well," according to manager Lou Piniella. The big righty went five shaky innings while pitching on seven days of rest, and one has to wonder just how not well Zambrano is feeling considering the workhorse hates to come out of any game. The 91.5 million dollar man is scheduled to be examined by the Cubs' team orthopedist today. Certainly the Cubs can ill afford any more bad news with just 23 games remaining in what has been a magnificent season, especially with co-ace Rich Harden being pushed back in the rotation. Meanwhile, the Cubs may not go anywhere even with a healthy Zambrano so long as Bob Howry is still logging meaningful innings. The veteran right-hander allowed four earned runs without retiring a batter, increasing his ERA to 5.63. The 9-7 extra-inning loss to Houston was the Cubs' fourth straight defeat, but they still hold a 4 1/2 game lead over Milwaukee in the NL Central.

Meanwhile, on the South Side of Chicago, All-Star third baseman Joe Crede left the White Sox' loss to the Indians early with another back injury. Despite having season-ending surgery last June to correct his back issues, this marks the second time this season Crede has had a setback with the back, making it likely he won't be able to contribute down the stretch this season. It also makes it likely that Crede has played his last game in a White Sox uniform.

Meanwhile, the L.A. Dodgers climbed to within 1 1/2 games of Arizona in the NL West after Clayton Kershaw pitched the club to an 8-4 win over San Diego. The win was the Dodgers' fourth straight. Of course it is still laughable that they are a game under .500.

Finally, Clemson coach Tommy Bowden reportedly called Alabama coach Nick Saban on the telephone earlier this week to ask him what went wrong with his team in its dismantling by the Crimson Tide. At least he's admitting that he needs help. It's a start.