All-star Lilly also looks at big picture

Ted Lilly may be the eternal optimist.

One thing's for certain: He's an all-star.

Lilly, who beat the Brewers 8-2 Sunday at Wrigley Field, was the lone Cub named to the National League all-star team.

The 33-year-old lefty was looking forward to the All-Star Game in St. Louis as well as a little bit further down the line.

"I'm excited; I'm looking forward to it," said Lilly, an all-star with Toronto in 2004. "I hope I get an opportunity to pitch in it. That would be fun, too. Maybe we'll win so that the Cubs can get some homefield advantage in the World Series.

"It's a great honor for me, and I'm very excited to represent our club."

The Cubs placed eight all-stars last year. Before Sunday's game, manager Lou Piniella talked up first baseman Derrek Lee, closer Kevin Gregg and shortstop Ryan Theriot. In the end, only Lilly made it.

He's 8-6 with a 3.32 ERA. In 111 innings, he has given up 104 hits while striking out 97 and walking only 23.

"He deserved it," Lee said. "He's had a great first half. He's basically kept us in every game he's started. He should be there. He's an all-star."

For his part, Lee said he was looking forward to the three days off.

"I didn't feel like I deserved it," he said of an all-star berth. "There are some first basemen having great years."