The Cubs are just past the halfway mark of the season and despite the hand-wringing over the five-game losing streak last week, they are in much better shape than they were after 82 games last year (41-41 and two games behind the Brewers in the Central and six games out of the second wild card spot). This year they’re 47-35, just a half-game behind the Brewers and they’d have a 3 1/2 game edge for a wild card spot if they needed it.



That really seems like something to celebrate. What’s the lamest possible way to celebrate something? Let’s give out some fake awards!



The “I thought that guy was dead” award: Ben Zobrist. He’s not just the oldest Cub at 37 — when he walks or singles he stops to chat with first base coach Will Venable, who is three years younger than him. Last year, Zobrist looked done. He hit only .232/.318/.375/.693 with a 79 OPS+, his lowest since his first two seasons in the league. With two years...