Dawn of the Ted: Lilly Blooms in First Start After Surgery

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Years ago, LL Cool J wisely counseled, "Don't call it a comeback." So we won't use that word to describe Ted Lilly's momentous return to the hill last night after shoulder surgery. We'll just say that Lilly was great, pitching six innings and allowing only three hits with four K's. Maybe it's time to join the Ted Lilly Fan Club. In other news, Zambrano came in and pitched so-so (see below), Aramis Ramirez finally got a hit, and Marlon Byrd continued to be awesome.

Daily Herald: Lilly, Zambrano help Cubs top Brewers 5-1
ESPN Chicago: Lilly allows three hits in first start...
MLB: Lilly returns to blank Brewers over six

Zambrano out of the Bullpen: So That Happened...
What was your reaction when you saw Big Z trotting onto the field in the seventh inning?
   1) "Wow, this is pretty cool."
   2) "I can't believe the Cubs think this is a good move."
   3) "Dude, Norbit was on! You think I was watching the game?"
Whatever your thoughts, Zambrano gave us semi-decent results last night. He got out of a dangerous situation in the seventh, but allowed a run in the eighth. Before the game, Another Cubs Blog put together the definitive analysis of the move that's pretty hard to argue with. Their review: Two thumbs down. ESPN's Bruce Levine also chimed in with a review that was mixed, at best.

Another Cubs Blog: Final thoughts on Zambrano to the bullpen
ESPN Chicago: Zambrano OK in first relief outing

Are Trade Winds Blowing for Big Z?
Not too long ago, it seemed Carlos Zambrano was set to take the role of ace that Mark Prior couldn't quite handle. Things have clearly changed, and Big Z is now the most expensive set-up man in baseball. Does this controversial move portend a trade? Talking Chicago Baseball notes that both baseball soothsayer Steve Stone and WGN's Dave Kaplan said their sources indicate the Cubs could be making a blockbuster move soon. We hope it's actually Soriano, but maybe Big Z will be taking his bat-breaking, cooler-shaking, Michael Barrett-punching act elsewhere.

Talking Chicago Baseball: Connecting the dots on a Cubs trade

One Man Enter, One Man Leaves: Lilly Comes up, Samardzija Goes Down
We wonder if former Notre Dame receiver Jeff Samardzija is in front of his computer somewhere in Des Moines, watching these highlights and wondering if it's too late to try out for the NFL. With Ted Lilly's return to the Cubs, questionable first-round pick Samardzija and his 18.90 ERA got booted back to the minors. But we're guessing that $10 million signing bonus the Cubs generously gave him probably makes him feel better.

Chicago Sun-Times: Samardzija sits at career crossroads
Daily Herald: Samardzija to pitch in Iowa's pen
View from the Bleachers: Ted Lilly back... down goes Samardzija

Who's Up First? Piniella Says Theriot Will Stay in Leadoff Role
Sweet Lou has been all over the place with the leadoff role lately, what with Marvelous Marlon Byrd starting one game, Theriot starting another, Koyie Hill starting another... (just kidding! Cubs leadoff batter jokes always kill.) But seriously, what's the deal? Piniella now says Theriot — with his meh .338 OBP — will continue to be the man. Meanwhile, Byrd — the anti-Milton Bradley — continues to soar wherever the Cubs put him, knocking in 14 runs and and earning six multi-hit games out of his last seven. We like.

Chicago Tribune: Cubs content with Theriot leading off
Chicago Sun-Times: Lou does about-face on platoon at leadoff

Today's Report by Joel Reese