All-Star break

So the official first half of the season ended Sunday. The Cubs have a 57-38 record (.600) and a 4 1/2-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the NL Central; they are tied with the Los Angeles Angels for the best record in baseball.

If you'd have told me that at the beginning of the season the Cubs would be sitting this pretty -- and doing a lot of the damage without Alfonso Soriano -- I'd have thought you were nuts.

Now, when he returns, probably next weekend, it'll be like the Cubs just pulled off another big trade. Keep him and new pitcher Rich Harden healthy and the Cubs could run away with the division title.

My biggest fear? They get to the World Series and have to face the White Sux. Lord, please, any team but that one. I don't think I could take it if the Cubs actually lost the ultimate grudge match.

After 100 years, God wouldn't do that to us. Would he?

First things first -- win the All-Star game tomorrow night at Yankee Stadium so the National League gets home-field advantage in the World Series. That would be huge for the Cubs -- with eight total players named to the team -- who have the best home record in baseball.

Oh, and while I understand the historical significance and all, is anybody tired of hearing about Yankee Stadium? And if you think it's bad now, wait until the final weekend of the season ...