Two Thirds

That's how many game the Cubs have won out of the total number of games played. They have a winning record on the road. They have a 1 game lead in the standings.

In short, very good. Probably as good as could be hoped. With Prior or without.

Now for the hard part. The schedule starts to get a lot rougher in the coming weeks turning downright brutal. All but 2 of the season's games with St. Louis are before the All Star break. 12 against Houston. 3 with Anaheim. 3 more with Oakland. San Fran. LA. San Diego. And even the White Sox have a winning record.

Here's where the pennant will be lost if it is to be lost. If the Cubs can pick up at least 6 more games on .500 by the break, I'd venture that a return to the post season is a solid shot. To do that, several things have to happen.

1) Prior pitches in the Houston series in Wrigley May 31-June 2.
2) Kerry Wood pitches like he has the last two starts.
3) Kerry Wood goes after no more umprires.
4) Corey Patterson keeps taking pitches. And walks.
5) Todd Walker gets the bulk of playing time at second.
6) Derek Lee decides to hit like he has in June (304/412/1.005) during May instead of how he has hit in May (246/315/747).
7) No major injuries.

That's a decent list. I miss any? Let me know.