Milwaukee Brewers might need to wait another year to capture the National League Central. Chicago Cubs sit on the Iron Throne with two very strong years in 2016 and 2017 establishing dominance inside the division. They’re doing it again this year. Unlike in 2017 where they turned in the second half, it has been building to this crescendo and with six straight wins in late August, Brewers and their fans should focus on the Wild Card race.

The annoying part of this all is the Cubs aren’t doing it with their major guns. Yu Darvish hasn’t been a factor. Free agent signing Tyler Chatwood has been a bigger wreck than Amy Adams’ character in Sharp Objects. Kris Bryant’s shoulder hasn’t been right for months. There will be the trope in the media ‘How are these guys doing it?!’ The answer is they’re getting just enough from their pitching to supply with their major offense.

On Sunday as the Cubs are pounding the Reds, my Uber driver was a Cubs fan and had the game on. I sigh angrily when Kyle Schwarber hits a home run and we begin to talk. He chats me up about how the Brewers didn’t get starting pitching, and that’s the reason we’re in third. The driver praised Cole Hamels like he was his son or brother. As my blood started to boil, I mentioned how the pitchers really weren’t that good and Hamels had a no-trade clause to Milwaukee. Still, I sat in the car and thought ‘Fuck, this guy gets to enjoy his team red hot until maybe november.’ I want that too.

I’ve said on the blog and the podcast that if the Brewers go 8-4 before their series with Chicago, that should put them in good position. Now, I’m unsure that will be enough. Milwaukee may need to pull a St. Louis Cardinals (Haven’t forgot how good they are right now) and win 5 of 6 on the road this week.

Charlie.