… after 105 games, the Cubs are 57-48.

After 105 games in 2008, the Cubs were 61-44. That’s right, this flawed, injured team is only four games worse than at the same time a year ago.

When you have more games vs the team you trail than the number of games your behind you still control your own destiny. Technically cardinals do not have to depend on anyone else.I am not a big fan of controlling your destiny speak at anytime especially in August.

   It is only August 5th and Cubs are practically tied with the Cardinals (yes I know loss column) plus having both the Astros and Brewers within striking distance. Although the Brewers and Astros are both flawed—just like the Cubs and Cardinals are, do not count out either yet.

   Especially the Brewers, do not sleep on the brewers yet. Obviously their pitching is struggling but they are injured and will get a few of them back. Sometimes the Dl can freshen up veterans like Suppan and Bush late in the season. Also be careful with the Brewers because of their favorable schedule, and it has 2 big advantages. First it is very very easy in August, toughest is 6 games vs Astros 3 of which are at home. Second, the Brewers have a ton games (16) remaining with both the Cubs(7) and the Cardinals(9).That is easiest way for team behind in standings to come back. “They control their own Destiny if you will.”

It will be hard on their pitching down the stretch but you never know. Gallardo will basically have to go undefeated, which is tough on an oft inured youngster . The brewers have always been very very streaky in both ways as they are a young team. Their experience with adversity down the stretch last year will help. Obviously its tougher with no CC and with more teams in it.

I know a lot of people have discounted the brewers but with it being so early and all those things listed above do not forget about them yet. In light of Prince’s charging to the dodgers being caught on camera and getting national play I will assume he will be suspended. That could fire that team up and allow them to get right in August on an easy schedule. That gets them closer to the top to start September which would mean a lot of huge games vs Cubs and Cards. I hope I am very very wrong.

And lastly real quick on Astros, until they came into Chicago they were rolling, just sweeping the cardinals in a series. Roy Oswalt and Wandy had as good as a july as any 1-2 from any pitching staff. They were better than Lincecum n Cain, Carpenter n Wainwraight. Just Oswalt and Wandy got hurt but if they come back healthy those two can carry the Astros again, and quite honestly will have to. Also people are forgetting about Lance berkman coming back, and he was injured and not playing for a lot of the nice roll they got on. Berkman is a very professional hitter that can carry a team for a stretch, and is a match up nightmare being a switch. Also that extends the Astros’s line up very nicely with Miguel Tejada, Carlos Lee, and Geoff blum—plus Pence and Bourn have had nice year. Do not underestimate the impact one great professional hitter like Berkman can have on a lineup, just look at Aramis Ramirez’s return.

Hopefully I am wrong about both the Astros and the Brewers because pitching is very very important and they are fighting it right now. But baseball is a fickle game and things change fast. Lets just hope we can continue to distance ourselves from both especially the Brewers since we have 7 games remaining with them but only 3 with Astros.

…the Met’s might blow the 9 run lead?!?

andy?

…one would hope blogging would improve it.

Even if he’s on the DL, he’s still technically in the organization. And I believe he’ll be back.

…though he’s injured right now as well.