Head over to Old Style Cubs to read my interview with play-by-play Cub announcer Len Kasper (parts one and two).

When it comes to the NL Central, there's one big bully and five trembling snot-nosed kids. There's not much you can do when the bully is around, but as soon as he goes elsewhere, the snot-nosed kids will battle for superiority among themselves, trying to make themselves feel better about their complete lack of power.

Since the Cardinals aren't around, the Cubs have taken to beating up on the rest of the division lately. Last week they shoved Jose Mesa and the Pirates around, and this week they're putting the Houston players in a collective headlock and handing out plenty of noogies.

Is there any other way to describe it? The Cubs looked like schoolyard weaklings when they gave up two runs on some suspect fielding in the 4th -- a misplayed fly ball by Jason Dubois, late throw home from first by Derrek Lee, and a casual toss to second on a double play chance by Sergio Mitre, which let a run score -- which might have been enough if Roger Clemens stayed in the game. A tight groin led to his early exit, though, and Cub hitters took advantage of a rusty Brad Lidge, who hadn't been in a save situation since May 17th.

The unbelievable weakness of the NL Central is enough reason to hope that the Cubs can compete for a playoff spot this year. Although it's almost June and the Cubs are still trying to reach .500, if they can pummel the lesser teams and land a few punches against the stronger ones they can find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt.

(Originally posted at Old Style Cubs. Please read responsibly.).