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The Cubs are 8-2 since the All-Star break, sure you might say that it was against weak opponents; but the Cubs can't control who they play.  They're playing the schedule given to them and beating teams they should beat.  With the Astros coming into town, it appears the offense has woken up from an 80+ game slumber.  Aramis Ramirez is back and contributing and Derrek Lee is scorching hot.

The Cards have made some moves, some good moves...they snatched Mark DeRosa away from the Indians and Matt Holliday away from Oakland.  Moves that improve their chances, but I think the Cubs lineup and starting rotation is superior to the Cardinals.  In a division where no one wants to pull away health and consistency are going to be with the team that wins.  The Cubs currently have 2 starters on the DL, but they're expected to be relatively short stints.  When Geovany Soto comes back, the offense should be better; with all the vitriol that surrounded this team a few months back; the Cubs have brought some optimism back to the Northside.