Carlos Zambrano Day

In case you missed the story, September 16 was officially named "Carlos Zambrano Day" in the state of Illinois. Schools and public buildings were not closed yesterday for the occassion, however, I can only assume they will from here on out.
Ok, I'll admit that was a lame joke--if it can even be called that, but let's talk about out favorite baseball team for a little bit (since this is the point of the site and it's been too damn long). First off, I've finally had a chance to watch the no hitter in it's entirity (thanks to MLB.tv). Let's not be too surprised this happened, maybe surprised that it took this long. Zambrano is on that short list of pitchers where a no hitter isn't a matter of "if" but more of a matter of "when" (along with Johan Santana, C.C. Sabathia, etc...). We've seen Z grow as a pitcher over the last six years or so and you knew that he had a no hitter in him. In fact, the first time I saw him pitch in person was in 2003 during an August matchup against Houston. Z ended up going the distance and only surrenduring 2 hits along the way. There was the San Diego game last season where Derek Lee and Chris Young threw down--Z lost his no hit bid late in the game (if I remember correctly, it was a weak, but well placed ground ball to the third base side of the infield that Carlos couldn't field in time). Regardless, we knew that it would happen eventually--the man's got wicked stuff. So, I'll leave the topic with this video (granted it's not the best video quality--but combined with the WGN radio call, it's well worth it).

Now, moving onto to the matter at hand. Magic number: 4. Will the Cubs clinch the division before the weekend? They get Marquis and Harden vs Sheets and Bush over the next two games. Sheets was roughed up in his last start (against San Diego and their scorching offense).
Let's also take a look at what the Cubs could possibly accomplish over the next few days. Their biggest competition in the division is Milwaukee--the same team that could be blownup over the next offseason. Do not underestimate the havoc that the Cubs could induce on the Brew Crew and their fanbase in the next two days (and the three games next week). If Milwaukee fails to make the playoffs, their streak will extend to 27 seasons without an appearance...they lose Sheets and/or Sabathia in the offseason, along with (possibly) Prince Fielder through the rumored trade demand.
Basically, the Cubs could put to rest, their biggest rival in the division over the last two seasons. Going into next season, who else would push the Cubs for the Central Division title? Pittsburgh? Come on now. Reds? Maybe in another year or two. The Cardinals and Astros probably push the Cubs the most, but does either team strike the fear of god into the hearts of Cubs fans? Yeah, I'm probably getting ahead of myself (not so much in regards to advancing in the postseason--but into the next season. Has anyone ever done that?).
Anyhow, any combination of six Cubs victories or Brewers losses and the Cubs win the division for the second year in a row, for first time ever. They also make the postseason in conseceutive seasons for the first time in--100 years.
Expect plenty of posts over the next few weeks, including (hopefully) a pictoral from next week's Brewers series at Miller Park, which I will be attending. Enjoy the rest of the season Cubs fans.