Finally, 21 Games Over .500
The Cubs have been 20 games over .500 several times this season, but have never been able to crack that level, until now. By sweeping the Brewers, the Cubs are now 65-44 (.596), the second best record in the majors and by far the best in the National League. By itself it means nothing, but I’ve been frustrated that the Cubs always lost the next game after getting 20 games over. Now that they’ve broken through this barrier, on the road no less, and they’re headed home for nine home games, the sky’s the limit.
As much as I like exciting pennant races, I’d really like the last few weeks of the season to be meaningless. If the Cubs build up a big enough lead, the last series against the Brewers and Cardinals could only affect the wildcard and not the destiny of the Cubs. Is there any rule that says Cubs fans have to hold their breath at the end of September? The only time we don’t seem to is when the Cubs are hopelessly out of the race.
Kudos to Hendry for standing pat at the trading deadline. He made his moves early and the team showed him in Milwaukee that it was fine the way it’s currently built. His new acquisitions (Edmonds, Harden and Gaudin) couldn’t have showcased themselves better. We can thank the Sox for taking Griffey from Cincinnati. Now we don’t have to face him six more times this season (and hopefully not in the postseason vs the Sox).
The season is officially 2/3 over. My how the summer has flown. So pack up your bottles of water (keep them sealed) and head off to Wrigley this weekend. It’s going to be hot but tickets from scalpers or ticket brokers will still be cheaper than tickets for Lollapalooza.