Come to Think of It...Cubs Lose As Clinching Party Moves to Friday

*If you haven't already seen it, here is the Cubs' 2009 schedule: click here.

Following Wednesday's 6-2 loss to the Brewers, the magic number remains at four. The earliest the Cubs can clinch the division title is Friday night.

Some observations on the loss:

• Jason Marquis was a bit rusty after 11 days off, but he kept his composure and held the Brewers in check following Prince Fielder's bases-clearing double in the first.
• I would rather have Marquis make the playoff roster as a relief pitcher than Bob Howry.
• Marquis will now have played on a postseason qualifier nine years in a row.

Ben Sheets left the game after the second inning with pain in his elbow. Seriously, with this guy's injury history, will anyone sign him long-term as a free agent following the season? Despite his talent, the man is just too much of a risk.

Fielder, who is 6-for-9 with three doubles, two homers and six RBI in the series thus far, should be avoided at all costs. Do not pitch to the man if you can help it, but if you have to, don't throw him a fastball down the middle. He's the main guy that can hurt you in that lineup with Ryan Braun struggling.

Longtime Cubs prospect/suspect Angel Guzman gave up three runs to the Brewers in the seventh. He was throwing hard, but his fastball appeared to be straight and he had trouble locating his off-speed pitches.

Dave Bush starts today for Milwaukee on three days rest. He will be opposed by Rich Harden. Although he escaped trouble and got people out the last time he pitched, his velocity was down. Let's hope we see the dominating Harden today.

*courtesy of www.bleedcubbieblue.com