Chicago Cubs 2008 Midseason Update

Outstanding bullpen leads the Cubbies to victory & the top of the NL Central.

Chicago Cubs: Season So Far
The Chicago Cubs entered the 2008 MLB season with high expectations. The deep bullpen was going to be the key to their success if they were to make anything of the season. The pitching staff has more than delivered on the hype, and the bats have come alive as well. With several key opponents flopping like fish out of water, the Chicago Cubs are at the halfway point of the season looking like monsters. The talent of the Cubs is also recognized by the fans, sending eight Chicago Cubs to the 2008 All-Star Game. Being almost 20 games over .500, the Chicago Cubs are well on their way to breaking the Curse of the Billy Goat.

Chicago Cubs: Midseason Moves
The Chicago Cubs entered midseason with no real holes to fill, but even the best pitching rotation can always be improved with more depth. The Chicago Cubs went out and added two pitchers to their bullpen. In a six player deal, the Chicago Cubs acquired Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin from the Oakland Athletics. Rich Harden will be expected to be another ace in the starting rotation, while Chad Gaudin will rotate around the bullpen in both relief and starting duty if injuries occur. The new depth will be key to postseason success.

Chicago Cubs: Offense
The Chicago Cubs started the 2008 MLB season with a hyped bullpen. The real question mark would be the play of the Chicago Cubs offense. The big bats of the Chicago Cubs surprised critics and thrilled fans by coming alive quickly in the season. 1B Derek Lee turned into a hitting beast, totaling over 100 hits at the halfway point. With 15 homeruns, 54 RBIs, and a ridiculous .510 slugging percentage, Derek Lee is the lynchpin to the Chicago Bears offense.

Leadoff hitter SS Ryan Theriot has been incredibly consistent in getting on base and is shaping up to be a premier hitter. 3B Aramis Ramirez leads the Chicago Cubs with homeruns and has come up with many vital RBIs. C Geovany Soto has become the master at hitting doubles, setting a Chicago Cubs record. Geovany Soto is adept at hitting homers and adds yet another long-ball threat to the Chicago Cubs roster. Alfonso Soriano returns from injury to continue his already impressive season. The slew of bats has come together to give opposing pitchers nightmares.

Chicago Cubs: Defense
Pitcher Carlos Zambrano was expected to once again be an ace for the Chicago Cubs, and he more than delivered. With an ERA of 2.84, Carlos Zambrano has earned his third All-Star selection and continues to kill opposing batters with his patented sinker driving opponents insane. Closer Kerry Wood has been instrumental in helping Carlos Zambrano secure a 10-3 record with 28 saves. Kerry Woods is another All-Star arm in the Chicago Cubs bullpen.

Pitcher Ryan Dempster is also on his way to the All-Star Game thanks to a 10-3 record. Tallying second on the Chicago Cubs in strikeouts, Ryan Dempster has been throwing Ks on opponents all year. Ted Lilly is playing up to All-Star form and leads the Chicago Cubs in Ks. After being traded to the Chicago Cubs in early July, P Rich Harden will be expected to improve on his 9-1 record coming over from the Oakland Athletics. P Chad Gaudin was also traded from the Oakland Athletics and will be an important reserve and spot duty pitcher.

Chicago Cubs: Standings
The Chicago Cubs are atop the NL Central with a 57-38 record. The Chicago Cubs have basically been unbeatable at home, with a 35-11 record inside Wrigley Field. The young Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals are trailing the Chicago Cubs by four games each. The rival Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are far back in the pack, and the preseason favorite Houston Astros have become the bust of the 2008 MLB season.

Chicago Cubs: Second-Half Outlook
The Chicago Cubs have charged out of the gate and taken the NL Central easily. With only two real threats in the Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals in the way, the NL Central Crown is all but assured to the Chicago Cubs. With the best record in the National League, the Chicago Cubs will have only a few hurdles on their way to the postseason. The closest competition will be the Philadelphia Phillies and the Los Angeles Dodgers, but both are only above average in mediocre divisions. With a great collection of bats and the best pitching rotation in the MLB, the Chicago Cubs are well on their way to being World Series Champions.