Matchup/Preview Game # 154 at Cubs

Wandy Rodriguez	Glendon Rusch
10 - 8, 5.43	7 - 8, 4.59

The first of three straight day games for the Astros, who come in 24 - 21 with the sun shining overhead. Chicago comes in 39 - 40 under the same conditions.

Wandy vs. Glendon Rusch is certainly winnable, though a case of Wrigley shock for Mr. Rodriguez is not out of the question.

Zambrano vs. Clemens Saturday worries me quite a bit. Carlos Zambrano is 3 - 0 in September with a 3.94, while poor Roger is 1 - 2 with a 5.40. But I also suspect that as soon as you notice the trend toward mediocrity for Roger, he'll produce something to break it. Hamstring or no.

[Update]: Clemens has been scratched from Saturday's game, and Ezequiel Astacio will start instead against Zambrano. If I was worried before, now I'm terrified. Go Reds! [/End Update]

And of course, there are no locks, but Pettitte on Sunday vs. Jerome Williams is basically a lock.

Looks like the Cubs will still be without Aramis Ramirez for this series, although it's looking like he will be available for the four-game series at MMP next weekend. In his stead, Nomar Garciaparra will be playing third, getting the always noteworthy Neifi Perez back into the starting nine for the Cubs.

Wandy Power! ™