It’s as simple as this: If the second-place Cubs are to win the National League Central Division, they need help. After winning two of three games from the first-place Brewers, simple math dictates that the Cubs will have to count on some friends. They have a 6 1/2 -game deficit and only three games left this season against Milwaukee — Aug. 28-30 at Wrigley Field. “We understand the position we’re in, believe me,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella said. So what lies between now and the next time the two rivals meet? Let’s take a look.
On the horizon: The Cubs play seven games before the All-Star break at Washington and Pittsburgh, two teams they should beat.
Trouble is, the Brewers play the same two teams, in reverse order, seven times on the road, so that’s a wash.
Road vs. home: Before meeting the Brewers again, the Cubs play 24 games at Wrigley, 26 on the road. So far, it hasn’t mattered where the Cubs play; they’re 20-21 at home and 20-19 on the road.
The good news for Cubs fans is that the Brewers play more games on the road (26) than at Miller Park (22). They have baseball’s best record at home (30-13) but are only 17-21 away from Beertown.
Whom they play: This is another wash, because the Cubs and Brewers are on similar schedules.
For instance, right before that next Brewers series, the Cubs play in San Francisco and Arizona. During the same stretch, the Brewers play in Arizona and San Francisco.
They also share flip-flopping trips to Cincinnati-St. Louis and Houston-Colorado.
Versus divisions: Schedules have both teams playing against the East, Central and West divisions. Advantage? Probably the Brewers, at least statistically, which may not count for much because the Cubs are playing much better lately.
The Brewers are 11-9 against the East, 22-12 against the Central and 6-6 against the West. The Cubs are 9-13, 16-16 and 7-7.
The distant horizon: So, after they play in late August, how does the last month shape up?
Until the final two weeks of September, the schedules are almost a reflection of each other.
But in the final two weeks, the Cubs could have an advantage, with series against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh at home, then Florida and Cincinnati on the road. All are among the worst teams in the NL.
The Brewers? They play Houston and Atlanta on the road, then St. Louis and San Diego (four games) at home. Atlanta and San Diego could be in the running for playoff spots.
The unknowns: Of course, until they meet again, nearly two months will have passed. Injuries can always play a key role. For instance, Brewers ace Ben Sheets has been on the DL four times in the last two years.
And the July 31 trading deadline could affect either or both teams. While both claim to have money in reserve for major trades, the Cubs probably have more. But the Brewers may have more minor-league talent to trade in return.
