Time running out for Cubs

The time is running short and the math is working against the Cubs.

They entered Wednesday's series finale with San Diego with a record of 60-57 and 6 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central. They also had to contend with teams from both the NL East and West for the wild card, making getting into the postseason that way potentially more difficult than winning the division.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry told the media in San Diego that it's time for the team to get going.

"There has to be a sense of urgency," cubs.com quoted Hendry as saying. "We just haven't played up to our capabilities. "It's kind of a mystery to all of us. We've had a lot of guys who have hit their whole lives and they haven't hit. We've done a very poor job all year. It's frustrating. We just haven't got the job done."

Hendry had more, according to the Cubs' Web site: "We can't be happy with anything," Hendry said. "We haven't, what I consider, come close to playing even (to)the level we were playing after the break. It's that time now. It's whatever it takes time. There's a fine line between giving it your best shot and doing whatever it takes, and it's certainly whatever it takes time now."

Speaking of math, the Cardinals entered Wednesday with a record of 68-53. If they were to go 20-21 the rest of the way, they'd finish 88-74. The Cubs would have to finish 28-17 just to tie that mark.

Playing in Peoria: Staff ace Carlos Zambrano makes a rehab start tonight in Peoria for the Class A Chiefs against Clinton. If that goes well, Zambrano will start next Tuesday at Wrigley Field against Washington.