Lee: Cubs still battling their own history

The last time the Cincinnati Reds came to town, former Cubs manager Dusty Baker said one of the reasons it's hard to win in Chicago is because the history of losing gets mentioned time and again.

On his way of town Wednesday after being traded to the Braves, first baseman Derrek Lee concurred.

"I think so," Lee said. "I think having to hear about losing kind of puts you in a negative environment. I don't think that's conducive to winning. I think you want a little more positive energy going on. But I also think everyone understands that when they come here.

"That's what you're going to hear until a team wins. Obviously, that's one of the enticing things about coming here. Everyone wants to come here and be on that team that finally breaks the so-called curse."

Manager Lou Piniella, who like Baker, will leave without a World Series title in Chicago, was more terse when asked the same question Wednesday.

"It's not easy; it's not easy; it's not easy," Piniella said.

Feeling honored: Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams said he was thrilled about a statue of his likeness being placed in a such a prominent spot, near the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue, across from the el tracks.

And someone named Caray said he had no problem with the statue of Harry Caray being moved to near the center-field bleachers to accommodate the Williams statue, which is set for unveiling Sept. 7.

"A lot of people come through the turnstiles getting off the el, and they'll be able to stand there and take pictures and just see it," Williams said. "They were trying to find the right place for it, and the decision was made, I guess, about three weeks or a month ago. I was told by (team president) Crane Kenney where it's going to be. It's going to be a nice location."

There had been a report that said the Caray family was upset at Harry Caray's statue being moved. Chip Caray, a former Cubs broadcaster now working for the Braves, said that's not true as far as he's concerned.

"I'm still very flattered that they have a statue of Harry," Caray said by telephone. "Where they put it is irrelevant. Harry loved doing games from the bleachers, and he thought there was no better location for the fans. It's a great tribute to the Caray family."

Injury updates: Pitcher Carlos Silva threw about 40 pitches off the bullpen mound as he rebounds from a minor heart procedure. The Cubs will announce a plan that figures to have him make 1 rehab start in the minor leagues.

Catcher Geovany Soto said his right shoulder is better. Barring any setback, he'll come off the disabled list Sunday, as scheduled.