Quantifying Hope: Cubs Division Lead Surpasses Magic Number and Other Bullets

Gonna be a quick one today, as there’s not a whole lot to cover in terms of division or playoff odds. Let’s get to it, then, shall we?

• Cubs division lead (15.5 games) is larger than their magic number (15)
• My projected clinch date is 9/15, just after Cubs play in STL
• 39 games over for first time since 1945 (98-56)
• 15.5 game lead is largest since 1907 (17 games over Pittsburgh)
• Cubs on pace for 105 wins
• Cubs have scored in 1st inning of past 6 home games (14 runs)
• Addison Russell on pace for 107 RBI
• Kris Bryant on pace for 112 RBI
• Anthony Rizzo on pace for 115 RBI
• Bryant slashing .455/.537/.964 in last 14 games
• Jason Heyward slashing .288/.302/.423 since eliminating toe-tap
• Heyward .325/.341/.475 with 117 wRC+ since rest
• 25.4% of Aroldis Chapman’s pitches have been 102+ mph
• Chapman’s highest % in past: 19.4 in 2010
• Jay Mariotti is a huge tool