First look at the Cubs

The second homestand of the ’07 campaign will also be our first look at the “new and improved” Cubs, a.k.a. the Yankees of the National League…projected pitching matchups are: Friday: LHP Rich Hill (6-7, 4.17) vs. RHP Dave Bush (12-11, 4.41) Saturday: RHP Carlos Zambrano (16-7, 3.41) vs. RHP Ben Sheets (6-7, 3.82) Sunday: RHP Wade Miller (0-2, 4.57) vs. LHP Chris Capuano (11-12, 4.03) Friday pits both teams’ #4 guys against each other, followed by each teams’ respective aces on Saturday, then the Cubs’ #5 starter versus the Brewers’ #2 man. Each has something to prove: Hill: that he deserves to be in the rotation instead of Mark Prior Bush: that last year wasn't a fluke...and that he can get better Zambrano: that his start against the Reds isn't a harbinger of things to come Sheets: that Monday's start wasn't a fluke Miller: that he's fully recovered and back to form Capuano: that the second half of last year is dead and buried Meanwhile, the winner of this series will put some early distance between themselves and either the Cardinals and Astros…both the Redbirds and Astros are 0-3 going into Friday night’s series against each other, and one will come out no better than 1-5…an early hole to start ’07.