The Pits vs. Pittsburgh
Cubs Again Owned By Crapsville Team

Jerry Lai/US PRESSWIRE

The Pittsburgh Pirates — you know, the team that hasn't had a winning season since we were all grooving to the soulful jams of Boyz II Men — were on an 0-17 road streak before coming to Wrigley Field. Apparently nothing cures a losing streak like playing the Cubs, because the Pirates won 2-1. Starter Randy Wells was decent, going six innings and striking out six while giving up only one run. But the Pirates eked out a run in the ninth off Andrew Cashner, who's allowed a run in each of his last three appearances. Oh, and the Cubs' only run was unearned. The end.

ESPN Chicago: Pirates continue mastery of Cubs, end 17-game... [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Turnaround? Hardly. Cubs can't beat woeful Pirates
Daily Herald: Aaarrrgggh!! Cubs just can't beat Pirates
MLB: Cubs unable to figure out Pirates [+video]

What's up, Doc?
Zambrano to Get 'Treatment,' Goes on Restricted List
We could have told you Carlos Zambrano needed some couch time after he went all punchy-punchy on Michael Barrett in 2007. But he's finally getting help now after the recent dugout outburst and verbal altercation with Derrek Lee. The volcanic Venezuelan will go through a treatment program agreed upon by all sides, and won't pitch for the Cubs until after the All-Star break (if ever again). "He will be evaluated and then directed on areas to address some of his deficiencies," GM Jim Hendry said. Ahhh, yes. "Deficiencies." Well, let's hope for the best.

ESPN Chicago: Zambrano to receive treatment
Chicago Tribune: Zambrano to receive treatment for anger issues
Daily Herald: Zambrano to get help for anger issues

Carlos Calls Kevin
Zambrano Opens up to MLB Broadcaster
Let's get this straight: Carlos Zambrano waited days to talk to anyone on the team, then opened up to... Kevin Millar, a guy who got cut from the team before the season? Makes perfect sense. Now a MLB Network analyst, Millar said Big Z told him he "was basically trying to pump all the guys up." So he's still sticking with that story? OK. Meanwhile, GM Jim Hendry said he thought Zambrano regretted the outburst. "My sense is that after a few days [since Friday], he feels quite remorseful,'' he said. If you think that sounds a little soft, you're not alone.

Chicago Breaking Sports: Zambrano explains himself to Kevin Millar
Chicago Sun-Times: Solution that's all the rage

Cubs fans are some of the most loyal in the city, and for that we salute you! But even die-hard Cubs fans need a balanced sports diet. Gapers Block: Tailgate is a blog about all Chicago sports — not just the Cubs and other majors, but also the minors, the alternatives and even the amateurs. It's not just good, it's good for you! Visit Tailgate on gapersblock.com

Stone-Cold Lunacy
Sox Broadcaster Suggests Moving Z to First. Seriously.
We love Steve Stone. We're always so grateful when he comes down from the mountaintop to impart his wisdom about the game he seems to have invented. But this is realllly out there: He recommends that Carlos Zambrano move to first base. No, really. That's what he said on the the Score 670-AM yesterday morning, pointing out Zambrano's 20 career HRs and his lofty .237 batting average. The Trib's Phil Rogers called it "a little far-fetched." We're thinking that's putting it mildly.

CBS Sports: Stone can't stop talking about the Cubs
Chicago Breaking Sports: Your morning Phil

A Half-Century of Awesome
Cubs' Fave Santo Celebrates 50 Years in Baseball
When Ryan Theriot bounced into a double play last night, Ron Santo busted out an angry, "GEE WHIZ!" That's the kind of reaction that's endeared him to Cubs fans since he started with the team 50 years ago. To celebrate the anniversary, Santo threw out the first pitch, sang "Take Me out to the Ballgame," and the Cubs hung "SANTO 50" banners on the roof. Even though he's lost both legs to diabetes, "Every time I walk into Wrigley Field and I'm up in the booth, I don't have a problem in the world," Santo said. God bless.

MLB: Cubs honor anniversary of Santo's debut [+ video]
Daily Herald: Santo good as gold
Chicago Breaking Sports: Cubs celebrate Ron Santo's 50 years... [+video]

Rookie pitcher Brian Schlitter struck out two Pirates in his major-league debut... John Grabow left the game in the seventh inning with a sprained knee... The Cubs will call up Jeff Stevens and James Russell to replace Zambrano and Grabow.

Submit your Rant on Facebook
*Don't be a Sox fan... be clever. If it's smart enough, we'll publish it here.
What's this?