Welcome to the Comedy Central, Where the Cubs Are in First Place

First, the raw data: Cubs 4, Reds 1. Also, Phillies 9, Cardinals 2. By themselves, they're mere statistical noise, the July results that never determine anything of merit. Together, though, they're another sign of the apocalypse.Yes, with the win, the Chicago Cubs have moved into first place of the NL Central. Their record of 51-45 outpaces the Cardinals' 53-48 by half a game. By absolutely no account should the Cubs be in first place of any division. As a matter of fact, at 51-45, they would lead no division in the majors other than the Comedy Central; in the NL West, they'd be tied with the Giants, hopelessly mired in third place, 10.5 games back from the Dodgers.The Cubs outpace the Redbirds despite underwhelming seasons from, based on a reasonable assessment of expectations, all but two or three of their nine highest-paid players:1. Carlos Zambrano, 18.5 million: 7-4, 3.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 18 days on DL 2. Alfonso Soriano, 17 million: .253, 17 HR, 41 RBI, .760 OPS...