Chicago Cubs: A dogfight in the National League Central

Chicago Cubs: Learning there’s never an easy opponent

The interwoven connections within divisions can be strange. For example, there are teams who many expect to be bad year in and year out. In the Central, this is the Cincinnati Reds.

The Cubs, despite holding an 11 1/2 game advantage over the Reds, entered Saturday 3-7 versus them this season. The Brewers, who lead the division by 2 1/2 games, are 7-3 against them. Chicago has also, strangely enough, dropped five straight games versus the Reds. It could be argued they are a reason why the Cubs don’t find themselves in first place currently.

In a piece from NBC Sports Chicago’s Vinnie Duber, Joe Maddon spoke on the Reds and the division as a whole.

"“It’s turned out to be a pretty tough division right now, it’s very strong which is good. I want that. I want us to play, hopefully, what’s considered the best division in all of baseball. I think that should bring out the best in our players on a nightly basis. So give them credit, man, they’re playing a lot better.”"

The Cubs and Brewers, meanwhile, have had relatively lopsided head-to-head results so far this season. Despite finding themselves in a 2 1/2 game hole, the Cubs have won 8 of the first 11 games against Milwaukee. Never a leisurely day in the National League Central.