Chicago Cubs: Next step is winning the National League

The National League Central is officially wrapped up, but there is still more for the Chicago Cubs to accomplish before the regular season is complete.

They did it. The Chicago Cubs of 2016 have won the National League Central. Of course, shock is not the reaction that we have as the team came into the season with much acclaim. Sure, there were some questions regarding left field and the bullpen, but, as a whole, the team has answered those questions.

But, in the words of ESPN College Gameday’s Lee Corso, “Not so fast my friend!” It is not over.

Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein and Manager Joe Maddon know this. I am sure they have told the team this as well. But knowing Maddon, he is going to want the team to celebrate each time they earn something. That is what happened last year. And, we, the fans bought into as well. Magic was in the air and we all thought “it” was going to happen.

“It” didn’t.

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The team deserves to celebrate their first NL Central title since 2008. They earned it. But, they must continue to focus on the main goal: The World Series. So, check item one off the list. Next, ending the season with the best record in the National League.Ending the season with the best record in the NL give the Chicago Cubs home field advantage throughout the playoffs until the World Series.  That bodes well for the team with the league’s best home record at 51-21.

The magic number for earning home field advantage sits at ten games. The Washington Nationals, who all but have the NL East in hand, are the only team that can catch the Cubs. Both teams have favorable schedules for their remaining games. For the Nationals, they start a series in Atlanta today, followed by heading to Miami and then Pittsburgh. The team then finishes the season at home with four against Arizona and three with the Marlins.

The Cubs only play NL Central opponents the rest of the way.  Nine games (including today) at Wrigley, then seven on the road versus the Pirates and the Cincinnati Reds. Like the Nationals, the only face one team with record at or above .500.

Next: Chicago Cubs clinch National League Central with Cards loss to Giants

At currently, the Cubs hold a seven-game lead over the Nationals in overall standings. They hold a 5-2 edge in the season series and, therefore, the tie-breaker for home field. The odds are in the favor of the Cubs, but there is still important baseball ahead.

Division title: Clinched

Home field advantage is next. And it is important. If the Chicago Cubs want to make the World Series, home field will be a must.