This weekly column officially ended when the Cubs clinched a playoff berth, but losing six of seven games since then means they’re still very much fighting for position. They have a two-game lead on the Padres for the top spot in the Wild Card round and that matchup is locked in, so these next three games will determine who hosts the series. The Cubs control their own destiny and can secure home field with two wins over the hapless Cardinals, but their poor play of late means no matchup can be overlooked.
While it helps that the Padres are hosting the Diamondbacks, who still have a shot at the final playoff spot, that series could become academic immediately.