26

Well, the Cubs rolled into Denver with a sliver of a chance to make the playoffs. But after losing the first two games of the series, that sliver of a chance has dwindled to nothing more than historically unlikely mathematical possibility.

The bullpen imploded in both games -- a recurring theme that put the Cubs nine games under .500 by July 3 and has plagued the team off and on throughout the season. This weekend's performances once again highlighted both the bullpen's injuries (Alzolay, Merryweather, Lopez, Wesneski) and its construction (via Jed Hoyer's ongoing affinity for reclamation projects).

At this point, the North Siders' playoff chances have all but evaporated. Here's the math:

 

Division Magic Number:  26
Wild Card Magic Number:  21

And on the other hand:

Division Tragic Number:  4
Wild Card Tragic Number:  9

 

Any combination of Cubs losses and Brewers wins totaling four would mathematically eliminate the Cubs from NL Central title contention. Any combination of Cubs losses and Mets wins totaling nine would eliminate them from contention for an NL Wild Card berth.

The math hasn't said it yet, but I will:  wait 'til next year.

148 games down, 14 to go.

Go Cubs go!

 

Image Credit:  Chicago Cubs