On the eve of the second Cubs/Cardinals series (this time at Busch Stadium) I thought I would take a cue from Solly, and give my take on the state of the Cubs as well as the NL Central in general.
First of all, let’s take a look at the NL Central standings 16 games in:

You’re reading that right. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh are ahead of the Cubs. I never doubted that St. Louis would be up there. They always find a way to stay competitive. As much as I hate Tony LaRussa, you have to give him credit for that. But the Reds and the Pirates? I realize it’s early, but no one thought things would be taking shape like this.