The Cubs overall as a club this season have surprised many with their strong showings.

But is it a surprise at all?

Last season the Cubs finished 85-77, getting hot in the second half of the season setting the bar high for the 2008 season.

So far in '08, the Cubs have met the standard they have set for themselves and are leading the surprisingly competitive NL Central. The Cubs obviously have a monkey on their back this season, being the century mark of their last World Series title.

I mean everyone goes through 100 years without winning a title, right?

Although we are not quite at the All-Star break, the Cubs have shown no sign of slowing down. But can this be the year when they can go deep into October, or will the curse of the goat rear its ugly head again this year?