A Hero's Welcome
A-Ram Ends Marathon Game with Homer in 11th

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Remember when Aramis Ramirez couldn't get a hit to save his life? Well, things are starting to change. Last night, he hit a walk-off, two-run jack to beat the Rockies, 4-2. Two days earlier, he drove in two runs with a double. So could this be the big turnaround? Let's hope so. And here's another good thing: Randy Wells' brutal game against the Pirates on May 6 seems to be an anomaly. He lasted only two innings and gave up six runs in that game, but has looked solid in both starts since. Oh, and Starlin Castro can definitely hit. He went 3-for-5 last night to raise his average to .361.

MLB: Ramirez lifts Cubs with walk-off homer [+ video]
Daily Herald: Big Z upstages Ramirez's blast that gives Cubs win over Rockies
ESPN Chicago: Slumping Ramirez delivers walk-off shot... [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Aramis Ramirez homers in 11th to lift Cubs over Rockies

The Old Switcheroo
Zambrano Could Be Heading Back to Rotation
Just when you got used to Carlos Zambrano trotting out of the bullpen, it looks like he's headed back to the starting rotation. Piniella dropped this bombshell after last night's game, saying he'll be doing long relief. "He's not as comfortable in the bullpen pitching short," Piniella said. "So we're going to use him in a different role, give him some stamina, build up his arm." When asked if the next step was for Big Z to head back to the starting rotation, Piniella said, "The next step? Probably down the road, yes." ESPN Chicago also dropped this knowledge: Of the 91 starters who've made 30 or more starts since Opening Day 2009, Zambrano is tied for 73rd in wins, and is 52nd in ERA. Wow. Stay tuned.

ESPN Chicago: Zambrano on path to rotation?
Chicago Breaking Sports: Zambrano moving to long relief... for now

He's the Man
Hendry Gives Piniella Vote of Confidence
After Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal wrote the Cubs should consider axing Piniella, the whispers about his job security grew especially loud. So GM Jim Hendry addressed this directly before the game, telling reporters, "I've never given it one thought, of not having Lou manage this team this year.... I have a lot of faith in Lou." Sometimes, that means the manager is about two days from being fired. But in this case, we tend to think Hendry's telling the truth and Piniella is safe (for now). For his part, Piniella said Rosenthal's article didn't bother him.

Chicago Sun Times: Hendry pooh-poohs talk of replacing Lou

There Goes the Neighborhood
Taking Tom Tunney to Task for Two-Faced Stance
Alderman Tom Tunney has been a thorn in the Ricketts family's side about the Toyota sign over left field, saying, "It is not in keeping with the character of the neighborhood." OK, we get it: He's a purist. But wait — who's that promoting the proposed massive development at the southeast corner of Addison and Clark? You know, the plan that could bring a 137-room Hyatt, a Best Buy, a CVS, and more to the area? Why, it's Tom Tunney. Tales from Aisle 424 nails Tunney for hypocrisy, saying, he should just, "Tell us how much money you want and where Tom Ricketts should send it. It will just be easier that way." Bravo!

Tales from Aisle 424: Cut the crap, Tunney

The Big Empty
Vacant Seats at Wrigley: Is It the Economy, Or...?
You can't help but notice that there have been a lot more empty seats at Wrigley Field this season. The announced attendance for last night's game, for instance, was 35,760, which is about 15 percent below Wrigley's capacity. Granted, it was chilly. So maybe that's it. Or maybe it's that the economy isn't what we'd call robust. Then again, after all of this year's drama, the Cubs are still five games under .500. Wax Paper Beer Cup notes that attendance is down across baseball, but also points out that Cubs games aren't exactly cheap these days. Worth watching.

Wax Paper Beer Cup: More and more empty seats at Wrigley Field

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