In hyping the teams on long winning streaks I neglected to cite the Cubs despite their current run of 10 wins in the past 12 games, but only because it wasn’t a winning streak.

The Cubs have been pounding division rival Pittsburgh during this run and have been playing well against some of the better teams in the league, but have to wait until Saturday to continue the run. In case you missed it, the Cubs and Cardinals are playing a 2-game series this weekend in London. They play on Saturday and Sunday but won’t play again until Tuesday. I’ve already heard some in the media complain about the break in schedule (none of whom ever played ball).

Is the opportunity to play overseas in front of the world more important than continuing this hot streak? Weeks ago (when both teams really stunk up the joint) some wondered if the Brits really wanted to see the Cubs and Cards. I’d argue that regardless of their records, both fanbases would travel well.

Others have suggested that the Cubs are being hamstrung by their schedule as they won’t get to play the first place Reds until July 31, but I’ll argue they get the chance to stomp on the Cardinals an additional 8 times after London and the Brewers 4 times between now and then. The Reds were able to jump past the Pirates without getting to play them during this 11-game run they’re on. While they have to play Cleveland, the Yankees and White Sox before the 31st, they’ll have ample opportunity to make hay against their division rivals.

For what it’s worth, the Cubs will not play the Cardinals after July-no games in August or September. Hmmmmm.