Cubs Gaining on Brewers, Padres

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 26, 2007 2:48PM

While our White Sox managed to tie the KC Royals in the AL Central basement earlier this week, the Cubs are quickly closing in on the other end of the standings.

Ted Lilly had another strong outing for the Cubs, who beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 Wednesday night.

With the win -- combined with the Milwaukee Brewers' loss -- moved the Cubs to within just two games of first in the NL Central. The Cubs also now sit just 1/2 game behind the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card hunt.

The Cubs' 31-17 record since June 1 is the best in the majors, following a bit of a rough start to the season. Was Lou Piniella's rant really the catalyst?

With the Cubs right in the thick of the playoff hunt and the trading deadline rapidly approaching, Cubs fans now anxiously await what moves the Cubs will make to improve their team for the stretch run. They added catcher Jason Kendall last week, but was that their only move? They could use another bat -- and there just happens to be one for sale on the other side of town.

Oh, and it looks like Kerry Wood might rejoin the team after initial success in his minor league rehab. That should certainly help out the bullpen.

Can the Cubs climb their way into first place, and if so how soon? Or will the curse that's plagued the Cubs get the best of them once again?

Photo by AP Photo/Tom Gannam