24 for a playoff spot. 28 for the division. 24 is the Stl number -- I think the 2nd place NL East team (Phils or Mets) has an excellent chance of passing the Cards before a clinch date, so 24 is a little misleading. It's lower than 24 for the Phils, so 24 is accurate for the time being. Sure it's accurate, but my point is there's obviously a difference between a magic # to eliminate a team with no competition, compared to the same magic # to eliminate a team with a very good team right on their tail. Any bond future traders out there will recognize this effect as the cheapest to deliver option in T-bond futures. Right now Stl is the "cheapest to deliver" bond, but the 2nd cheapest bond (Phil) is a close 2nd, and it significantly affects pricing. I think your missing the point though. Any combination of 24 Cubs wins and/or 2nd place in WC teams losses = Cubs clinch playoffs. If the Phillies pass the Cardinals (and I will point out the Cardinals are still playing good baseball and just got Wainright back), they will assume the role as 2nd place in WC and will assume the role of lowering the Cubs magic number with each loss.