With right-hander Kerry Wood going on the disabled list, the Cubs bullpen continues to be in a precarious position.
For now, righty Carlos Marmol will take over for Wood as interim closer. Marmol enjoyed an All-Star first half as a setup man.
With Marmol working the ninth, righty Bob Howry will take over Marmol's setup duties. The problem there is that Howry has been inconsistent.
Howry is not dominating the way Marmol or Wood are, so when he makes a mistake, especially by getting a ball up, he tends to pay.
Fortunately for the Cubs, they've been able to backdate Wood's disabled list assignment to July 14, meaning he could return as soon as Tuesday. Until he does, Howry will have to step it up, as will lefties Neal Cotts and Scott Eyre. Righty Chad Gaudin has pitched well since coming from Oakland in the Rich Harden trade, and he may be a key, as well.
CUBS 6, MARLINS 3: RHP Carlos Zambrano worked seven innings of six-hit, two-run ball and ran his record to 11-4 as the Cubs beat the Marlins for the first time since 2006, ending a 10-game losing streak to Florida. 2B Ronny Cedeno and backup C Henry Blanco hit solo homers for the Cubs. RHP Carlos Marmol retired a batter in the eighth and worked the ninth for his fourth save of the season and his first since May 31. Marmol walked three in the ninth but managed to keep the Marlins from scoring.
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ok guys and gals.. this offense is pathetic and needs a lift from the outside..
a spark is needed.. i dont care where he comes from but i think we need a guy who can leadoff, steal bases, play 2nd base, and provide some excitement in this helpless offense..
derosa needs to go to the bench and provide the punch off the bench..
