There is something to be said for not inserting Z into what will be a charged atmosphere here on Friday night. Let him pitch on Thursday in sleepy Houston. With all the energy of the rivalry and the Cards' last chance to stay in the race, I'm afraid Z will fizzle. At the same time, Z's numbers against the Cards are pretty fantastic. Getting him a start against them might help get him locked back in. He's just as good against HOU. And Z consistently struggles on 5 days rest. There's no good reason to take him off a regular 4 rest day rotation. I don't have a problem with Z pitching in the big game. Why not use your worst pitcher against the lesser team? If you are going to pitch Tracshel (which I don't think they should) I would rather see him pitch againt the Astros than the Cardinals. I think its ridiculous that Hendry attempted to tweak the one part of the Cubs that has been consistent all year and caused this mess. I'm not making excuses for Lou, but if he doesn't pitch Trachsel anymore for the rest of the year, he makes Hendry's move look pointless (which it was).