Chicago Cubs Baseball

While the sun slowly sets in the National League West, most of America will already have assessed its day, called it a wash and have headed into the slumber of the Great Beyond. Unless of course, you’re a Chicago Cubs fan.

In which case, you’ve probably prepared yourself for a long summer’s eve. Because the first-place Cubs are commencing their last West Coast swing of the summer with two three-game sets against San Francisco and Arizona.

As further enticement to stay up late, the Central Division co-leading Milwaukee Brewers are out West as well. The Brewers flip-flop opponents with Chicago, starting off with the D’Backs before wrapping up the swing against Barry Bonds and the Giants.

With the stage set like some drag-strip drama on a black-topped backroad, the Cubs and Brewers begin the stretch run in a virtual dead heat. It would be fair to say not all pistons are firing for either club. Chicago Cub baseball has been missing Alfonso Soriano for 15 days exactly, while the Brew Crew has been without its stabilizing ace since July 15th, Ben Sheets.

If the above wasn’t interesting enough, the defending World Champion Cardinals are determined to make a three-team race, lurking a mere two games behind Chicago in the loss column.

Like the August weather, the Central Division is hot, steamy and at times, downright turbulent.

Isn’t it great to a Chicago Cubs fan right now? So brew your gourmet, pop a couple of No-Doz and watch the sun set in the West. And hope the Cubs don’t go down with it.