Byrd takes a turn in Cubs' leadoff spot

HOUSTON - Marlon Byrd was the Cubs' leadoff hitter for only the second time this season in the series opener against the Astros.

With the Cubs' offense slumping, manager Lou Piniella was trying something different.

"Don't ask me," Piniella said. "That's what we have. Over dinner last night, we talked about our lineup. We'll try this and see."

One of the problems is that the Cubs do not have a bona fide leadoff hitter. Ryan Theriot came into the game with a low on-base percentage of .318 and no walks since May 1. Byrd's OBP was .338, and he had 7 walks for the season. Piniella had Kosuke Fukudome batting fifth.

Talk has not turned yet to Piniella returning Alfonso Soriano to the leadoff spot. Soriano's OBP entering Friday was .366.

The Cubs won division titles in 2007 and 2008 with Soriano as their primary leadoff man.

Lee is back: First baseman Derrek Lee was back in the lineup. He was a scratch for Wednesday's rained-out game at Pittsburgh.

"It was not a big deal," Lee said. "It was just tightness. Nothing serious, though. It's fine. We all go through it at some point."

Lee said he had heard about trade rumors involving him and the Angels, but he put little stock in them. Lee has a no-trade clause in his contract, and he has more than 10 years of big-league service and more than five with one club, giving him veto power.

The Cubs are not inclined to trade Lee.

"Who are the excellent sources?" Lee said of reports. "I've heard nothing on it. I've got nothing for you on that. I think the Angels are probably going to throw every first baseman's name out there."

Asked if he wants to remain a Cub, Lee responded: "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah."

Rotation set: The Cubs will pitch Ryan Dempster on Saturday and Randy Wells on Sunday against the Astros. Carlos Silva will pitch Monday afternoon's makeup game at Pittsburgh, with Ted Lilly opening at Milwaukee on Tuesday.

Wells pitched at Pittsburgh on Monday, and Piniella did not want the Pirates to get a look at him again.

Gone fishing: Lou Piniella led a fishing expedition on Thursday's off-day, taking his coaches, trainers and staff members.

"The fishing was really good," Piniella said. "We had a wonderful day out. Went out about 35 miles into the Gulf and fished some of the oil rigs and a few other spots, and we caught a nice variety of fish."