Cubs finish first half on top in NL Central

What a glorious first half of the 2008 season it's been for the Chicago Cubs! Striving for history in the making the franchise is on a rabid pace at home for their best record in almost 50 years lead by a coach who has the right formula for success. So far there are no worries about mythical goats, Steve Bartman imposters, or Hell freezing over. With that aside the Cubs are kicking some serious a** in the NL! At the break they lead the Cardinals by 4.5 games and are tied with the Angels for the best record in baseball at 57-38. In honor of their stellar play the Cubs have 8 All-Stars headed to New York. Since Kerry Wood has a blister on his pitching hand Carlos Marmol was elected to replace him on the NL roster.

To conclude the first half the Cubs took a 4-2 loss from the Giants though won 2-of-3 in the series. The only real crummy part of yesterday's outcome was Ryan Dempster picking up his first loss at Wrigley this year. I guess it was going to happen sooner or later. He caught a bad break. That darn Tim Lincecum (11-2) has beat the Cubs twice, ruining their bid at a sweep. Coming off the bench facing the Giants bullpen Geovany Soto smashed a RBI single into right center putting the Cubs within two runs. Runners on first and third were wasted as Aramis Ramirez later hit into a double play. No big deal, those situations are going to happen sometimes. As a fan you can't complain when your team carries a 37-12 at home into the second half. Plus acquiring Rich Harden was a smart strategy. He had 10 strikeouts with one run allowed, but didn't get the decision. The bullpen spoiled his debut, but the Cubs pulled out the 'W' in extras.

A win by the NL in the All-Star game would be a major benefit for the Cubs with a potential trip hanging in the balance to the World Series. They still will have to work out health problems and kinks in the bullpen coming back from the break. Scott Eyre will likely be back around the same time as Soriano. Both are pieces to the puzzle which hold the Cubs' late season success. Maybe by then Marmol will straighten out his mechanics too and return to his early season form on the mound. I know everyone will have the pressure riding high on this franchise from August until October. If the Cubs stay low key about their stride and run for the postseason it will lighten the mood and create a positive atmosphere. For now the Cubs will enjoy the time off and have fun with the All-Star festivities. Kick back and relax Cubs because it's going to start being intense when you return to face the Astros on the road. Go NL All-Stars and Cubs!