Chicago Cubs: Why winning the division is so important this season

Chicago Cubs: Evaluating scenarios and not tempting fate

Now would it mean doom if for some reason the Chicago Cubs ended up being a Wild Card team? Not necessarily. They could still easily win it with the talent they have, it just complicates things. Right now likely opponents would be the Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks or Philadelphia Phillies.

A one-and-done scenario would probably see Jon Lester or Kyle Hendricks start. Both guys have had tremendous success in the postseason, but their inconsistent seasons this year would make it more of a coin-flip. Outside of regular match ups, odd things happen in baseball games. In this case, odd events that can end a season in the blink of an eye. Say a pitcher has a bad inning or the other team gets some lucky hits that fall in or a key error is made…that can be enough to decide the game.

Overall the Cubs have to play well down the stretch so they can win the NL Central. They ultimately control their own destiny, beating the Brewers and playing well in most series gets them back in October and away from a coin-flip Wild Card game.