Silva could win seven more straight in June and the Cubbies wouldn't come close to playing .600 ball; indeed, since they are six below .500 with Silva 7-0, and can't hold their own against the other two worst teams in the NL, Pirates & Astros, it is highly probable they will have a losing record at the traditional 4th of July mid-season mark.
As constituted, this Cub team does not hit with enough power, run well enough or play defense with the consistency AND RANGE necessary to play winning baseball in the major leagues.
Anyone who watch last night's game (yes, I know, hard to get more than glimpses in between periods of Blackhawks-Flyers) should understand why in an earlier string of post (what one trade should the Cubs make) I argued that the first, key step should be to bundle Zambrano, low minor league CF prospect Brett Jackson and a one of the second-level pitchers who are solid marginal prospects at Iowa (I suggested Jay Jackson as the most likely to be attractive to Astro GM Ed Wade, as closest to major league ready), with adjustments to the package if necessary, for Houston's CF and leadoff man, Michael Bourn--the top base stealer & best defensive OF in the league, and most of all, the guy at the top of the order who gets himself into scoring position more often than any other leadoff man in the majors.
Bourn was the key to the Astro's win, in the field as well as at the plate and on the bases. And while he was putting on an exhibition of the difference he could make for the Cubs, Zambrano was giving further depressing proof that for all his ability he is not going to be a successful pitcher again until he is wearing a different uniform.
