Cubs Will Be First to See New, Improved Phillies Rotation

As if the Cubs didn't have enough to worry about, with Carlos Zambrano on the DL and Aramis Ramirez, ailing after renewed pain in his tender shoulder, the Cubs must now face newly acquired former Cy Young winners Pedro Martinez and Cliff Lee Wednesday and Thursday. To make room for Martinez, who went 1-1 with a 5.11 ERA in three minor-league  rehab starts, the Phillies moved 46-year old Jamie Moyer to the bullpen. Cliff Lee, who is 9-9 with a 2.95 ERA  pitched a solid seven innings last week in his Phillies debut to gain a victory over the Rockies.

The Cubs, who were percentage points ahead of the Cardinals as recently as Friday are now three games back after a 4-6 road trip and a dismal series against the Rockies. Rookie of the Year Geovany Soto is back from the DL and Ted Lilly is also due back soon.  Zambrano has had an ailing back most of this season, although it is not thought to be too serious. Ramirez, on the other hand is playing with a shoulder that is not 100% and is too valuable for the team to rish further injury.  He is scheduled to have a cortisone shot and be able to return to play in two to three days.