For Ted Lilly, it's business as usual. He did his side work on Friday at Coors Field in preparation for Monday's scheduled start against the Brewers.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella will fly back to Tampa, Fla., on Saturday and miss three games so he can attend the funeral of his uncle, Joseph Magadan, who is former big league infielder Dave Magadan's father.

The Cubs gave Bob Howry his unconditional release on Friday to make room on the roster for Carlos Zambrano and the right-handed reliever was expected to retire.

Carlos Zambrano apologized to his teammates and Lou Piniella on Friday, saying he was embarrassed by his behavior and that it's time to move on.

Could Ted Lilly be going back to the Dodgers? The Dodgers and Cubs have been talking about a deal that would send Lilly to Los Angeles, baseball sources said, and reportedly could include infielder Ryan Theriot.

Aln Trammell and first-base coach Ivan DeJesus are giving Starlin Castro a crash course on being a Major League shortstop. The hardest part is trying not to overload the Kid.

Will Ted Lilly make his next start for the Cubs on Monday? The team may not know until Saturday afternoon.

The Cubs have to be looking forward to playing the Rockies this weekend. They're 11-5 against the National League West so far and continued to struggle against the Central on Wednesday.

Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee has invoked his 10-and-5 rights and rejected a proposed trade to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Carlos Zambrano, who will join the Cubs on Friday in time for the start of a three-game series against the Rockies, will meet with his teammates prior to batting practice to clear the air.

Ted Lilly pitched 5 2/3 scoreless innings, but the left-hander did not get a decision in the Cubs' 6-1 loss to the Astros on Tuesday. The question now is when -- and for whom -- Lilly's next start will be.

Ted Lilly, a hot commodity on the market, could be making his last start for the Cubs on Tuesday night against the Astros, if the rumors are correct. Saturday's 3 p.m. CT Trade Deadline precedes his next scheduled start.

Cubs lefty Tom Gorzelanny said Tuesday it's strictly coincidence -- and better pitching -- that there are more no-hitters this season than in years past.

Cubs catcher Geovany Soto did not start Tuesday to give his bruised left foot more time to heal. Koyie Hill started Tuesday and could be behind the plate again Wednesday if Soto can't go.

The Cubs have apparently narrowed the list of potential Spring Training sites in Mesa, Ariz., to three locations, including Riverview Park and its golf course, a downtown area known as Site 17, and a spot in the northeast part of town.

Carlos Zambrano said he can't wait to see his Cubs teammates to apologize in person, something he would have done sooner if allowed. "I know I made a mistake," Zambrano told MLB.com on Tuesday.

Tyler Colvin is hitting home runs at a pace better than Prince Fielder or even Albert Pujols. The Cubs' rookie outfielder has a .531 slugging percentage. He's played so well, he's bumped high-priced outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to the bench. But that doesn't mean Colvin can skip his lessons.

Ryan Theriot hit his first home run in 700 at-bats, a solo shot, and Geovany Soto added a two-run double to back Carlos Silva and lift the Cubs to a 5-2 victory Monday night over the Astros.

Cubs catcher Geovany Soto is day-to-day after fouling a ball off his left foot in the third inning Monday night.

Cubs reliever Andrew Cashner rejoined the team after staying home Sunday to rest and get treatment for a sore throat.