Listening to the game on the radio, I caught myself thinking, "Huh?"

Is this really the same team that in three games against the Pirates scored almost as many runs as the Bears have in three games this season? Ted Lilly didn't pitch much like a 15-game winner, and the offense sputtered, with batters grounding into double plays and striking out in key situations.

But I suppose it should be expected by now. This team never does what you think it will. Which leads to a very messy paradox.

I've been pondering this exact scenario the past few days. It's great that the Cubs went on a hot streak, making the Central theirs to lose, but was it too early? Every team has hot streaks and cold streaks. It's obvious the Cubs were steaming, so the question is: Has the inevitable cool-down started? And, if so, how long before the Cubs cycle upwards again?

I'm not being pessimistic, only realistic. These are the Cubs, after all. You prepare yourself for the worst -- lessen the fall, if you will -- and when Good Things happen, the Goodness is all the sweeter. Assumption is a cardinal sin.

Five games to go. The lead is two.

* * * *

Glad to see you got the memo, Lou. Geovany is pleased.