The Chicago Cubs confirmed on Wednesday what fantasy owners have known for a while -- Carlos Zambrano isn't a very good starting pitcher anymore.

But it's hard to believe that the best way to use him is as an eighth-inning setup man. Sure the Cubs' relievers have been brutal -- ranking next-to-last in the National League in bullpen ERA (6.15) -- but yanking Big Z out of the rotation to have him set up Carlos Marmol is a questionable move that just about kills whatever fantasy value Zambrano had left.

The Cubs were going to have to make some sort of decision about their rotation when left-hander Ted Lilly returns from the disabled list this weekend. Zambrano ends up being the odd man out, while Carlos Silva (0.69 ERA in two starts, but 6.81 ERA over the past two years) and Tom Gorzelanny (1.93 ERA in two starts, but 6.32 ERA over the past two years) will continue to get the ball every fifth day.

"This makes all the sense in the world and I appreciate Carlos doing this," manager Lou Piniella said of the decision. Ummm, yeah.

In his loss to the Mets Tuesday night, Zambrano pitched a solid game -- allowing two earned runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out nine and walked three. And if you take out his disastrous start on Opening Day, he's 1-1 with a 4.00 ERA and 12.5 K/9 rate.

Just two seasons ago, Zambrano threw a no-hitter and led the Cubs to the playoffs. Now he's headed to the bullpen to be a setup man at age 28. (Yes, he's only 28. I had to look it up in two places just to be sure.)

Who knows what the future holds for him in that role. He has the stuff to be effective an inning at a time, but if roster spots are precious in your league it's time to cut Big Z loose. On the other hand, if you can stash him away on your bench for a while, it's only a matter of time before Silva or Gorzelanny implode and Zambrano returns to the rotation.

What you'll get after that is anyone's guess.