It's good for Carlos Zambrano that he never wanted to play in the NFL. Despite his linebacker body, he seems to have all the durability of Brad Muster. It's really too bad because Z could probably play a serviceable outfield or even sub at first base on occasion if needed. And his stick would likely be better than your average replacement player.

And speaking of first base, how nice was it to see Derrek Lee emerge from a season long funk? And by season, one could make the case that includes the last full year. Since May 3, 2008, Lee has posted BA/OBP/SLG of .266/.332/.409 which yields a .741 OPS with 15 homers and 82 RBI. Lee acknowledged that he's been struggling and that the fans have noticed:

When Derrek Lee hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to break a 2-2 tie, the Wrigley Field crowd of 40,457 wanted a curtain call. So Lee obliged.

"It felt good; I didn't know if I wanted to come out, because they've been booing me every at-bat," Lee said, laughing.

Lee has 3 homers and 15 RBI to go along with a .219 batting average, a .263 on-base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage. He said he doesn't let the booing get to him.

"It doesn't bother me," he said. "I just go play the game and concern myself with helping the team win. The fans are free to do what they want to do, so it doesn't bother me."

Again with the booing Derrek? This feels so familiar.

Look, Derrek. We Cub fans were really close a few years ago. In fact, you may recall that you had a big part in denying us what we've wanted for so long. Since then, the Cubs have spent and spent and spent to try to finally win. We've come to the point where we expect winning and we expect the key players to produce. When they don't produce and they cost the team games, or even a playoff spot, our bile remains for a long time (see: Hawkins, LaTroy).

This is your fifth year hear. Maybe one day, you'll figure us out. By your statements, you clearly haven't as of yet.