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When CC Sabathia was traded to the Brewers, the NL Central race got a lot more interesting. When, only a couple of days later Rich Harden ended up on the Cubs, the race got REAL. And this was before the All-Star Break.

So far, both pick-ups have been great, with Sabathia being absolutely lights out so far with the Brew Crew. Right after the all-star break it really looked like the Sabathia trade was going to push the Brewers over the top and get them past the Cubs as they trimmed the Cubs’ lead to one going into a crucial 4 game set in Milwaukee. This looked liked the Brewers’ chance to take control of the division. As series in July go, this was as big as they get: not make or break, but pivotal nonetheless.

Then they got owned and the Cubs took control. They beat both of the Brewers’ aces (Sabathia and All-Star game starter Ben Sheets, who also lost today) and really asserted themselves as the team to beat in the Central. This week, the Brewers and the Cardinals kept pace with the Cubs, but the Cubs have that 5 game lead that looks a lot bigger after that series sweep. It really should give them a lot of confidence going up against the Brewers for the rest of the season.

Neither the Brewers or the surprising Cardinals, who talent-wise don’t really seem to be in the same league as the Cubs or Brewers, should be counted out, but I think those two are probably going to be fighting it out for the Wild Card (and would seem to be the most likely to win it). The Cubs have some serious momentum going right now and have all of the elements in place: a seriously potent offense, superb starting pitching and a solid bullpen. They are the pick to win the Central and the Brewers are my pick to win the Wild Card, but keep an eye on the Cardinals. They have given themselves the confidence to stay in this race and aren’t going to go away.

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