Old Man and the Lee
Derrek Lee, Cubs Come out Swinging in 12-6 Rout

Jerry Lai/US Presswire

There was no wistful reminiscing when 47-year-old former Cub Jamie Moyer took the hill yesterday for the Phillies. Derrek Lee, Alfonso Soriano, and Geovany Soto homered and the Cubs had 16 hits. Starlin Castro chipped in with three hits and a steal of home, while A-Ram added two doubles and four RBIs (couldn't do this in May, huh Aramis?). And starter Ryan Dempster was solid, allowing two earned runs and striking out nine. Lou said it best after the game, "This is what we hoped for." Thank you sir, may I have another?

ESPN Chicago: Middle of the lineup hammers Moyer... [+ video]
Chicago Tribune: Cubs rout Phillies 12-6
Daily Herald: Good fresh start for Cubs in 12-6 win over Phillies
MLB: Cubs send message in rout of Phillies [+ video]

Anger Management
Zambrano Completes Therapy, Comeback Begins
Just when we'd all but forgotten about Big Z, it looks like he's on his way back to the big club. Zambrano has completed anger-management therapy and actually threw a 25-pitch bullpen session in Mesa yesterday. The Cubs say Zambrano isn't going to be back until next week at the earliest, and they want to monitor how his arm reacts after the long break. They'll send him to one of their minor-league teams once he gets in shape, and eventually he'll get slotted into the bullpen. In other words, watch out Bob Howry.

MLB: Zambrano begins road back to Cubs
Chicago Tribune: Zambrano out of therapy

Trading Futures
What Moves Will Cubs Make in Second Half?
Predicting the future is tough if your name isn't Miss Cleo. But View From the Bleachers is taking out their crystal ball and making five predictions about the team's future. They think they know who the next manager is going to be (hint: it's not Bob Brenly) and where Derrek Lee is headed (hint: it's due west). Oddly, they also seem to know the inner workings of Tom Ricketts' reading habits. Can they give us some stock advice now?

View from the Bleachers: In the News: The Future (future, future, future)

Cubs fans are some of the most loyal in the city, and for that we salute you! But even die-hard Cubs fans need a balanced sports diet. Gapers Block: Tailgate is a blog about all Chicago sports — not just the Cubs and other majors, but also the minors, the alternatives and even the amateurs. It's not just good, it's good for you! Visit Tailgate on gapersblock.com

The Prodigal Son Returns
What if Ryne Sandberg Managed the Cubs?
What would life be like if Ryne Sandberg replaced Lou Piniella next year? ESPN Chicago takes a look at Ryno's managing style and says the Hall of Famer is big on getting everyone regular playing time (we've heard that before) and instilling a group mentality. Having one of the most beloved Cubs manage the team would be a great story, but would it mean more wins? Maybe we'll find out next year. Let's just hope Ryno's status as a fan favorite doesn't take a hit if the Cubs can't win it all.

ESPN Chicago: Ryno in waiting

Two Stars Are Born
Iowa Cubs Stand Out in All-Star Game
Marlon Byrd isn't the only Cub showing off in the mid-season classic, as Iowa Cubs Thomas Diamond and shortstop Darwin Barney both played key roles in the Triple-A All-Star Game. Barney went 1-for-2 and drove in the lone RBI for his squad. Pitcher Diamond, who leads the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts, started the game and threw two hitless innings while striking out two. He was also named the team's Top Star. Expect to see both of these guys in the bigs at some point.

Minor League Baseball: IL extends recent All-Star dominance
Talking Chicago Baseball: I-Cubs play well in All-Star game

Have you watched our video "The Rant" yet?... Sources are saying Derrek Lee would waive his no-trade clause for the "right team," which many assume is the Angels... Can you imagine what would happen if Ronnie Woo-Woo got a hold of a vuvuzela?... The late Steve Goodman is going to get a post office near Wrigley named after him.

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