Has anyone else noticed that, as of today, the 3 best teams in the NL(record wise) are in the Central? The Cubs, Cards, and Brewers come in 1st, 4th, and 5th/6th in all of baseball as well.

My point?

It seems to me, not living in Chicago, that the Cubs didn't get much respect for winning the weakest division in baseball last season. This year, should things go as we all hope and now expect, the haters won't be able to make that argument. This is a good, albeit top heavy, division. Even the Pirates are playing decent ball and the Reds are capable of kicking teams in the teeth every now and then. 

I would also like to ask you all to weigh in with your opinion on this: Can the Cards keep up their unexpected performance? They are reminding me a little of the '04 team when I kept telling my Cards fan neighbor, "there is no way that pitching will hold up all season". Of course, as we all know, they kept it up for the next 2 seasons. Or will Milwaukee, as expected, become our main competition down the stretch? Their bullpen still shows signs of suckitude and a tendency to crap the bed, but that Brewer offense is starting to look like it should.

Thanks and happy off day.

or did the series against the Dodgers feel like October baseball?

Between the weather, the intensity of the crowd and the close scores that was some of the most exciting baseball I've seen all season. Add to that the fact that our guys swept the series and it was really awesome.

So what I am interested in knowing from all of you is this. Do you think playing in a series like this gives the Cubs a little bit of a feel for what it will take to win should they make it in to the postseason or does the fact that this series was played in May negate that? 

Preface: I try to check fan post daily and haven't seen anything about this. If I missed it feel free to pile on and Al can delete the post.

Remember last season when our guys were struggling and there was a lot of talk about actual record vs. expected record based on run differential?

I was just looking over the expanded standings and the Cubs current run differential is +64. 234 runs scored(most in mlb by 14) and 170 runs allowed(least in nl). Think about that for a minute and let it sink in. Anyone remember the last time the Cubs have scored the most while allowing the least?

I don't know how the expected record is calculated based on run differential, but it got me to wondering what that would translate to. Anyone have a clue?

Even with all the "turmoil" of the Edmonds signing and all of the little things that some seem to find to complain about on a daily basis I am very excited about this team. More than I can remember being excited about in my 30 years as a fan. That being said, I realize that it is May and there is a lot of baseball left to play.

Assuming the Chicago weather is suitable enough for a game some of us Little Rock Cubs fans will be getting together Monday to watch the opener at EJ's on the corner of Center and 6th street downtown. 

I know I've seen a few Arkansas Cubs fans on here so if you have the time off feel free to join us.

This is the first time I've posted a diary so if I'm not following proper protocol let me know.

All the "experts" consistently talk about the NL Central being the worst division in baseball. I don't think it's true. The NL Central has represented the NL in the World Series 3 of the last 4 years(should have been all 4) and won one of those series.

Could it be the reason the NL Central winner never appears to be as dominant is due to the fact that there are 6 teams in the division?

Having more inter-division games means there are more games played that bare greater impact. Not to mention the fact that the weaker teams in the division have the ability to steal a few from the stronger teams.

Hopefully our guys can help to solidify my opinion.