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The Cubs Crank feels wise and savvy, thanks to two apparently correct predictions in three days. First of all, I warned you that Maddux might not be as stellar as was widely expected, and while I caution everyone to go easy on the doom and gloom, the early returns support my conclusion. Next, I noted that Andy Pratt's performance would force even the Cubs to admit he wasn't major-league ready, and lo: he has been sent to AAA as of this morning. It doesn't really matter who they bring up to replace him; simply removing him from the lineup has eliminated both the worst member of the team (yes, even including Ramon Martinez) and the direct cause of the worst loss of the season so far (yes, even including Monday's Wrigley opener).

Clement goes today vs. Brian Vogelsong. The hitters will need to do more hitting than they did in fairly pathetic effort on Monday. Clement is going to have to limit his walks if he wants a chance to win. I find Clement super-frustrating to watch, because he struggles with control at an age where he should have already figured out how to stay around the strike zone. Zambrano and Wood can use their age as an excuse for awarding so many free passes; not so Abe Lincoln. At his age, it makes you question whether he'll ever get it together. Of course, he does get it together once or twice a season, and he's pretty much unhittable when he does. So I find myself constantly waiting for the return of the good command and biting slider. And waiting.