The Toronto Blue Jays take on the N.L.'s Chicago Cubs in Interleague play, in only their second visit since 2005 to iconic Wrigley Field.
The Chicago Cubs (63-57) are atop their N.L. Central division though just 1.0 games ahead of second-place Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs, who started the first half of the season slightly below .500, have since roared to life and clinging to their division lead in the process. They are tied for second in MLB with 52 home runs.
The Blue Jays (59-62) just came off their most recent ten-game homestand with a 7-3 record. The Jays, the Rays, and the Orioles all share one thing in common -- they are all 10.5 GBL Boston Red Sox in their A.L. East division. But for these teams nowadays, the lead is a foregone conclusion. There is something else they're all vying for and that is the WC spot. The second WC spot and they are all tied at 3.0 GB for that one.
Thus, with the Blue Jays success in this August month so far, in particular, their successful homestand, their work is cut out for them as the battle for that WC spot begins in earnest. With every department clicking -- pitchers, reliever, hitters, etc. -- the Jays are certainly in the hunt, even though most pundits believe it is too late for them to gain the necessary steps to do so, mainly because the Jays haven't been consistent all season long until this August month when it seems to have come together.
That sounds like a tired old tune, and hopefully that tired old tune has now been put to the back burner. Onward the Jays march and (keep your fingers crossed) upward!
GO JAYS GO!
