The Chicago Cubs had the best week of all NL Central Teams after they went on a 6 game winning streak this week, to bring themselves to within 4 games of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Chicago Cubs:

Could the Chicago Cubs be showing signs of troubling St. Louis? For the first time in many years, the Cubs are contenders, at least through the first month and a half of baseball. Jon Lester is now 3-0 with a 1.80 ERA for the month of May.

Lester – “You go back to being with the Red Sox and it’s so regimented and serious all the time…It’s nice to take two minutes out of our day and really enjoy what we just did on the field.”

They Cubs also gave Joe Madden his 800th win on May 14th after sweeping the New York Mets in a four game series.

Brian Schlitter was recalled from and Matt Szczur was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Saturday.

The Cub’s winning streak was finally broken Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Record: 21-16

Cincinnati Reds:

The Reds lost ground this week, dropping to 7.5 games behind St. Louis, and dropping 3.5 games behind the second-place Chicago Cubs.

Zack Cozart returned to the line-up after being out with sore left wrist. In his first game back, he doubled, scored on an RBI single from Joey Votto, and stole a single from Atlanta Brave’s Jace Peterson.

Brandon Phillips is day to day due to a sprained ligament inside his left big toe, injured while stealing second base during Monday’s game against the Braves.

Sean Marshall will undergo a second shoulder surgery which will end his season early. The surgery will repair a torn anterior capsule in his left shoulder.

After winning the series against the Braves (2-1), the Reds fell to the San Francisco Giants (1-3).

Record: 18-20

Milwaukee Brewers:

The Brewers fell another game behind in the standings, now 12.5 back against St. Louis. This week’s series pitted the Brew-crew against the Chicago White Sox and the New York Mets.

New General Manager Craig Counsell has been playing with the lineup, trying to find a winning combination. But the numbers just haven’t been there.

Jean Segura was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a fractured pinkie finger.

All in all, this was not a stellar week for the new Manager or the Brewers.

Record: 13-25

Pittsburgh Pirates:

While the Pirates managed to not lose any ground against the Reds, and broke the Cub’s 6 game winning streak, as well as their own 4 game losing streak, they still had a pretty rough week.

The week started with a split series against the Philadelphia Phillies (2-2).

Wilfredo Boscan was called up, while Brandon Cumpton was placed onto the 60 day DL, and Steve Lombardozzi was optioned to Indianapolis.

A.J. Burnett led the Buc’s to a 3-0 win against the Cubs, striking out 7 in as many innings.

Record 18-20

St. Louis Cardinals

The Red Birds faced off against the Cleveland Indians and the Detroit Tigers this week.

Two minor scares happened this week. The first occurred when Yadier Molina was pulled in the top of the ninth Tuesday, with upper back stiffness. The second when Matt Holliday was struck by a Corey Kluber sinker on his left-elbow in the first inning on Wednesday’s game against the Indians. Both players were able to rejoin their team shortly after.

Jon Jay was placed on the 15-day DL due to tendinitis in his left wrist, and a bone bruise on his thumb. He was replaced by Savier Scruggs.

While the Cards have been dominating the National League, they came up short against the Tigers, losing the series 2-1. Losing the first two games, the Birds managed to win behind Lance Lynn.

Lynn (after earning his first RBI of the season) “A blind squirrel finds the acorn?”

Record: 25-12

Position Player of the Week: Anthony Rizzo – .500 BA; 1 HR, 3 RBIs; .455 OBP

Pitcher of the Week: Jon Lester – 2 Wins; 13 Innings Pitched; 13 Strike Outs; 2.77 ERA

Power Rankings: