It is conceivable, not likely, but possible that the Cubs clinch not only HFA but dominance over every team in baseball (Texas has a slightly better record than washington) before any other team clinches a playoff spot. Not division, playoff spot! On Thurday, if the Rangers and Nats lose and the Cubs, Giants, Mets, Dirty Birds and Astros win, that will be the case. In other words, the Cubs are as much better than the playoff field as the playoff teams are better than the field.