I don’t think it’s imperative that the Cubs sweep or even win this upcoming four-game series against the Astros. The Cubs face the Astros and Cardinals each seven times through Sept. 4.

If they can come out of those games pretty much even and within three or four games of first place, the Cubs will be in a good slot to roll off a bunch of wins in the last month against much weaker teams and steal the division.

Not that a 14-0 record in those games wouldn’t be nice, but I honestly don’t think that these are “must-win” or “make-or-break” series.