Can Chicago Cubs Pull Off Unthinkable with Division Championship?

If the Chicago Cubs are able to make the playoffs this season, the month of July could be the turning point that everyone points to as the reason for their success.

After the All-Star break, the Cubs went 11-6, including a string of eight consecutive wins that turned the team into buyers instead of sellers at the trade deadline.

When the calendar flipped over to August, there were some questions if they could continue their hot run of form or if it would fizzle out.

As good as July was, August is shaping up to be a better month.

One week in, Chicago is sitting with a 5-1 record, including a series win over the National League's best team Atlanta Braves.

The first game of the series on Friday was a smashing 8-0 loss where the power of the Braves was on full display. It was going to be a test to see how the Cubs matched up against one of top teams in the NL.

They responded by winning their games on Saturday and Sunday to take the series victory and more importantly put themselves into the final Wild Card spot entering Monday.

Chicago is tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the final spot, but because of their head to head record, the Cubs would get in.

They're also sitting one-and-a-half games out of first place in the NL Central, trailing the Milwaukee Brewers who have gone 3-7 over their last 10 games.

Questions still surround Chicago's squad, especially with regards to their pitching. However, the bats have not cooled off yet and are powering the team into the playoffs.

If they can continue this hot play, it's looking like the Cubs will be major winners of the trade deadline.

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