So begins the Cubs Choke 2008.

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

It was a fun ride while it lasted.

 

[RebelBruiser]

It was a fun ride while it lasted.

Just a slight overreaction. I honestly think this is a good thing. They needed to cool off some and then turn it back on right before postseason play. They still have a 4.5 game lead in the division and an 11 game lead on the last playoff spot with only 22 games to play. That's after tonight. So they are a virtual lock for a playoff spot regardless, and they still should be able to win the Central without much trouble.

They'll be playing baseball in October. I wouldn't be concerned about that. At this point, it's just a matter of whether they will be playing good baseball in October or not. What they are doing at the beginning of September has little bearing on that.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

6 home games left. Zambrano hurt Their dead.

 

[RebelBruiser]

6 home games left.

Zambrano hurt

Their dead.

Again, 11 game lead on the final playoff spot with only 22 games left to play. That means that even if they were to go 6-16 over the final 22 games, the Phillies would have to go 17-5 just to tie the Cubs. On top of that, the Mets would have to at least do that well to stay ahead of the Phillies and not fall into the wild card race.

Obviously, Zambrano is a concern, but if it's a minor injury, they really won't need him to do anything other than maybe try to get back for 1 or 2 starts before the playoffs start just to get fresh.

As for the comment about home games, that really hasn't been an issue for them lately. They've won 13 of their last 14 on the road dating back to July. Actually, they've struggled more at home lately than anything else. In that same stretch, they've been 14-12 at Wrigley.

Again, they are going to be in the playoffs. There really is no question about that. The only question is whether it will be as the Central champ or as the wild card, and the only question that matters is whether or not they are playing well at the start of the playoffs.

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

I hope you are right. I have seen them fold up in unbelievable fashion before. I still believe they could win it all...and at the same time I believe they could fold up like a tent. So is the life of a Cubs fan.