Carlos Zambrano: "Big Z" Is Becoming Big Ace for Chicago Cubs

For the Chicago Cubs to get to the Promised Land, several things have to happen.  But perhaps the biggest thing on that list is Carlos Zambrano stepping up and being the true ace that they have been waiting for.

Coming into this season, Zambrano has had some monkeys that he couldn't seem to get off his back.  Here is his checklist thus far:

1. Finally pitched well on opening day: Check! He didn't allow a run.

2. Finally got off to a good start in April: Check! He was 4-1 with a low ERA.

3. Finally beat Aaron Harang: Check! He was winless against him prior to Tuesday night.

With all this in mind, it looks like Big Z has arrived as one of the better aces in the National League.  Sure, he won 18 games last season, but he also lost 13 games and had a few slumps that really hurt the Cubs.

After throwing eight shutout innings against the Reds on Tuesday and giving the Cubs' depleted bullpen a much needed win, he is now 5-1 on the season with a very low ERA. 

With him pitching like this, the Cubs have a horse they can go to every fifth day. And they can feel like they have a great chance to wave the white flag at Wrigley.

Why the big turn around?  For starters, his contract situation is no longer a distraction, as it was last season. 

Former teammate Michael Barrett is no longer with the club (Big Z never saw eye to eye with Barrett).  Heck, I'll even say that Big Z feels better pitching in the blue jerseys. (Cubs' ownership took away the blue jerseys last season and brought them back this year.) 

Whatever it is, Big Z is becoming an even bigger force than he used to be. This is exactly what the Chicago Cubs need.

In the National League, it's going to be extremely difficult to win the Cy Young when you have names like Webb, Santana, and Peavy in the mix. 

But Carlos Zambrano is pitching like he wants to at least be mentioned in the same category as those guys.  Thus far, he has done just that.