The Cubs have become a worthy opponent thanks to their hungry and highly promising youngsters, who have invaded their roster now. Chicago is 32-27 in its last 59 home games and like most seasons have played their long-time rivals, the Cardinals, tough at Wrigley Field splitting the first six games of the season.

The pitching matchup highly favors the Cardinals with Adam Wainwright facing southpaw Travis Wood. However, there are circumstances that make the Cubs a very live 'dog here.

The Cardinal had to play last night instead of during the day. They clinched at least a wild-card spot yesterday despite losing 7-2 to the Reds. A big factor in the Cardinals' home loss to the Reds Sunday night was because of a virus that affected nearly half the team. Leadoff hitter Matt Carpenter and first baseman Matt Adams, who leads the team in batting, were so sick they couldn't even pinch-hit.

St. Louis' starting lineup contained reserves Daniel Descalso, Xavier Scruggs and Randall Grichuk. The Cardinals' bullpen was hit hard, too, by sickness with closer Trevor Rosenthal and setup man Seth Maness ill.

This is what Cardinals manager Mike Matheny was quoted as saying following the game, "Trying to use the pieces that we have. Try and get us through. We had a lot of guys unavailable. Almost as many unavailable as available. We had quite a few that just weren't an option. Just something that we're going to have to wade through."

Wainwright appears back on track after a 5.17 ERA in six August starts. He's won four straight starts with a 1.69 ERA. But his bullpen is depleted by sickness and he has a 4.25 lifetime ERA versus the Cubs.

Wood has had a disappointing season, but was sharp in his last start limiting the Reds to three hits in six scoreless innings. The Cardinals also are 20-17 against lefties compared to 67-52 versus right-handers.

(Editor's note: In addition to this offering, Stephen has his MLB Total of the Week going today. Don't miss it!)