92

Cubs take the first game against the Pirates.

93

Well, the Cubs were just terrible yesterday but thankfully interleague is over. Cubs went 6-8 overall and still do have that White Sox makeup in September. The Cards and Brewers lost yesterday too, so number drops.

Cubs are off to Pittsburg. They are apparently hot right now and right behind the Cubs in the standings. Pretty amazing that only 5 games seperate first from last in the Central this far into the season.

94

Cubs defeat the Sox in the opening game of the three game set. They're back to .500.

Seriously, 89Cubs, why so negative? The Cubs are right there. All Hendry needs to do is get the team a bat before the trade deadline and the playoffs are very possible. I bet the Cubs do win the Central, but drop out first round as that's their new MO.

95

The Cubs Suck and aren't going to make the playoffs.

There I said it, and you know what? It feels good. I am relieved. Life is still continuing. I'm not throwing in the towel, but I sure feel justified in deciding not to live & breath with the team like last season.

I'm not sure if I'm just finally maturing (hey, I am only 31!) or if I just have too many things going on my life this Spring & Summer (first baby on the way this Fall, kitchen remodeling, illness in the family, flooded basement, concerned about not being laid off, etc.) or if I'm just still reeling from last October's playoff debacle....but it is sure is nice not to have invested the amount of time & emotion that I have in years past.

I have followed the team this year, but I think I've only sat through and watched an entire 9 innings once or twice this year. I haven't gone to a single game at Wrigley. When my wife and I are watching TV together and the game is on, I usually hand the remote to her (unless the game is on the line in the 9th or there is a no-no going, etc.). It feels pretty nice. I still like to listen to Pat & Ron on the radio and Len & Bob (especially Bob's dry sense of humor) have grown on me, but the Cubs schedule doesn't affect my schedule any longer.

I don't scream and yell when Gregg gives up yet another HR to blow a save. I don't vent with frustration when Soriano lollygags another routine play in LF into a double for the opposition. I don't clench my teeth every time Soto strikes out. I don't say "not again" when I hear yet another Cubs is going on the DL. I merely take it all in stride and continue on with my day.

I still care about the Cubs. I still want them to win. I still dislike the Cardinals and the Sox (and the Brewers are growing on my list of teams to hate after my trip to Milwaukee this year). I still hope they make the playoffs. But now I think I've finally found the right balance between rooting for a team and still participating in the day to day of my own life.

My first baby is due Oct. 16th. I'm not concerned about this due date falling during the playoffs and in a way that is kind of nice. This also gives me all winter to get through the non-sleeping stretches so I can not be a zombie come next Spring when baseball season begins anew. I'll still be a fan, but with a new baby in the house, will I pull back even further from the game? Only time will tell.

96

So, I write a positive post about the Cubs and they lose the next three games. I'm not going to say anything about them.

Cardinals lost some games apparently.

98

Cubs complete the sweep and are currently in their longest winning streak of the season (only 4). They head to hot Atlanta for a makeup game today then off to Detroit.

Cardinals have taken first in the division after the Brewers got swept by the Tigers. Cubs are just 2 1/2 back now and seem to be warming up...

101

Two days, two come from way behind and walk off wins. Very exciting. Now if the Cubs could start to put some runs up earlier in the game, my blood pressure would drop a bit...

Interleague continues. 2 more against the Indians.

103

I thought for sure this game was over when checking the score in the top of the 8th. Looks like I was thankfully wrong. Cubs pull up back to back homers in the 8th and somehow avoided extra innings by a Reed single RBI'd in later by Soriano.

Cubs needed this win. Now let's watch the Indians limp into town after dropping 3 to the Brewers. We need these wins.

104

Cubs squeak one out for the first time in days. I have a feeling this inter-league play is going to do some damage to the Cubs record.

They're sitting at .500. Let's hope it lifts...

108

Brewers drop another game. Cubs lost out on a great 8 inning effort by Zambrano (1 run, 3 hits). Guzman gets the loss.

109

Brewers lose, Cubs win! Double drop! Cubs are in 2nd place now. It's been a while...

111

Cubs are heading to Houston tomorrow. Cubs have been pretty good there, so let's hope we can tack on some wins and drop this number.

Cubs are 3.5 games back on the Brewers. Pretty good given how they've played.

115

Cubs squeak one out in extras last night vs. the Braves. I guess our bullpen isn't guaranteed to blow it every game?

Brewers still won though.

117

Brewers drop a game. Number drops. Cubs off tonight and are in Atlanta tomorrow.