The Long Road to October: Part Three

(Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Thanks for checking out the third installment of "The Long Road of October". In case you haven't read them, check out Part One and Part Two to see how the Cubbies have progressed throughout the 2009 season thus far.

Through 82 games, I have the Cubs record at 47-35. How will the Cubs close out the first half? Will the team suffer throughout the dog days of summer? Lets find out!

July 6 - July 8 (Three Game Series)
Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs

As the summer heat comes to Wrigley, the Cubs bats should be swinging on all cylinders. We may see Tim Hudson back for Atlanta at this point. The health of Chipper Jones will also be important to the Braves at any point this season.

Despite the persistent arms of Lowe and Vazquez, I like the Cubs to handle their business against Bobby Cox.

Prediction: Cubs win two of three

July 10 - July 12 (Three Game Series)
St. Louis Cardinals @ Chicago Cubs

The Cubs won't see their rivals for quite a while after this series, so look for both teams to be out to make statements. Much like the last series, Soriano and Pujols should be swinging hot bats.

Much will depend on the state of the Cardinals pitching staff and bullpen. Will Carpenter be healthy? Who will be closing? At this point and time, it's hard to be confident in their pitching as a whole.

Despite the uncertainty, the Cardinals always bring their best to Wrigley. I like the Cardinals.

Prediction- Cubs lose 2 of 3

July 13 - July 15
ALL STAR BREAK

July 16 - July 19 (Four Game Series)
Chicago Cubs @ Washington Nationals

Remember the unbelievable diving catch Reed Johnson made in Washington last season? Depending on the play of Fukudome, Johnson could be manning the fort in center come July.

I predict Lastings Milledge will have a solid year, and he'll give the Cubs headaches throughout this series. Many may expect a sweep, but the Cubs could very well have a letdown series following a hotly-contested Cardinal series. I like the split.

Prediction- Cubs win two of four

July 20 - July 22 (Three Game Series)
Chicago Cubs @ Philadelphia Phillies

A possible NLCS preview, the Phillies added a solid bat in the offseason, signing Raul Ibanez to fill the void left by Pat Burrell. The Phillies offense will always be potent, but their starting rotation outside Cole Hamels remains to be seen.

Will Lidge be the dominant closer he was last season? I believe so. The Cubs struggled against Philly last season, going 3-4, and were outscored 33-24. Expect a rough outing from the Cubs this series.

Prediction- Cubs lose two of three

July 24 - July 26 (Three Game Series)
Cincinnati Reds @ Chicago Cubs

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