Come To Think Of It...Ted Lilly Throws a Gem for the Cubs

Last week, there were certain fans and media calling for Chicago Cubs pitcher Ted Lilly to either be moved down in the rotation, skip a start, or be taken out and beaten.

But today, those faces must be as red as tomatoes.

For today, Ted quieted the naysayers with a brilliant, one-hit gem, striking out eight.

Granted, it was not a good day to hit a baseball, given weather that was more conducive for a football game or a polar bear.

And the Cubs offense was not helped by injuries to Milton Bradley, Geovany Soto, and Aramis Ramirez.

Yet, despite that, as well as plenty of missed opportunities by the Cubs offense on Monday, the team did manage to score four runs.

Two of the runs were the result of a bases loaded walk and a throwing error, so it was more of a giveaway by Colorado than something we earned.

The Cubs have now drawn 19 walks over the last two games.

Perhaps even more unexpected, the third run was scored on a hit by Derrek Lee. In fact, Lee had two hits on the day. Stop the presses, wake the neighbors, and phone the kids.

I don't know if I was more surprised by the prospect of a no-hitter or with D-Lee raising his batting average above .100.

The final tally came on a bloop single to left by Kosuke Fukudome.

And that was plenty of support for Lilly and three relievers on a cold, rainy day at Wrigley Field.

Embattled Kevin Gregg struck out the side in the ninth.

Opening Day is supposed to represent a new beginning, a time of eternal hope. And so here was Lilly being given new life, a chance to start over again. And boy, did he ever take advantage.

No missed opportunities for Lilly on this day, unless you count the near no-hitter he missed when Garrett Atkins singled for the Rockies with two outs in the seventh inning.

When Lou Piniella trudged out slowly to the mound after that hit and a walk to the next batter, his purpose was clear—that was enough.

Would I have removed him in the middle of such a strong start? Well, his pitch count was getting high, at 104 pitches. Plus it's early in the season and the weather was lousy.

No matter, this was Lilly's day and a great day for all the Cubs fans who braved the weather and a one hour, 11 minute delay at the start.

Tuesday is an off day for the Cubs, who sit at 5-2 on the young season. The final game of the series against the Rockies is scheduled for Wednesday.

After that, the Cardinals come to town.

Hopefully, the sun will make an appearance one of these days as well, come to think of it.