Cubs Take Sole Possession of First

It’s amazing how fast things can change.  Just two weeks ago we were all lamenting the sorry state the Cubs were in, but now, with their win today over the Reds and the Cardinals‘ loss to the Phillies, the Cubs find themselves all alone in first, a half-game ahead of St. Louis.

Two factors have been largely responsible for the Cubs’ big turn-around:  Getting to play the Nats and Reds, a pair of sorry teams, and getting Aramis Ramirez back in the line-up.  Yeah, okay, and the improvement of Milton Bradley – who needs swing doctoring when you have Steve Stone? – and Alfonso Soriano.  Finally, the Cubs have the kind of line-up they were supposed to have all season.

Of course there’s another factor we shouldn’t overlook:  the mediocrity of the central division.  If the Cards – or Brewers, for that matter – had played great ball themselves, the Cubs would’ve been in big trouble by now.  But neither St. Louis nor Milwaukee is any closer to being a complete team than the Cubs.  So, basically, the division is up for grabs.

The top spot is bound to change hands many more times before October rolls around.  But, for now, the Cubs can fly their flag the highest.

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