To win the wild card, that is. Isn't this the only way to avoid the Rays in the first round? If Boston wins the wild card they can't face a team in their own division in the first round.

I guess there is one other way. The White Sox could finish with the best record in the AL.

Or maybe you don't care who you face in the first round. Your thoughts.

And should wrap it up. The  Cubs should leave Florida with at least 76 wins, with Dempster throwing Sunday.

The next 13 of 16 are at home with 12 of 16 against Cincy, Washington, Pitt. and Houston. A nice 12-4 run would give them 88 wins with 22 to play. They actually have a chance to have more wins at the end of August than they did all of last year.

This next homestand is huge. Alot has been written about their September schedule being tough.They have a chance to make it a moot point with a strong homestand to finish off August.

If they rock and roll the next three weeks they could have 96 wins before they even leave for the last road trip to NY and Milwaukee.

Now that Baltimore has secured their place in the AL East Cellar, Brian Roberts could become available. Should Hendry go after him? What should he give up? The origianl rumored package of Cedeno, Gallagher, Veal and Patterson seems too much. Surely Cedeno's trade value has risen since March. Should Cedeno be taken off the table? Personally I think our defense would be immensely improved up the middle with Cedeno at short and Roberts at second. The rumor was that Pie had to be part of the deal. Could we live without Pie?

These are all questions Hendry might have to answer soon. I know Roberts isn't 'tearing it up". But he is still a better leadoff man than any we have. He is better defensively then DeRo.