A week ago, we sized up the final six weeks of the Cubs’ season and developed a scenario where the Cubs could have the division wrapped up with a week to go, where they could spend that final week setting up their playoff rotation while also playing spoiler to the Brewers and Mets.

The first phase of this stretch run concludes later today. Of this stretch, I wrote:

I will combine those first three series and call the Cubs going 6-2. They�re welcome to win more, but I�ll settle for two 2-1 series and one sweep

After winning two of three from Cincinnati and Washington, respectively, the Cubs are on track for this pace, as they look to sweep Pittsburgh today.

And look who’s on the mound for us?

We don’t have access to players and coaches. I couldn’t tell you what Piniella’s thinking any more than I can tell you this week’s winning Lotto numbers. But speaking simply as a sideline observer, it’s would seem obvious that Jason Marquis’ time in the starting rotation is winding down. The winner in last night’s ragged victory over Pittsburgh–Sean Marshall–has continued to make a case to replace Marquis in September. The last time they skipped Marquis’ spot in the rotation, Marshall was handed the ball and pitched very well in a tough-luck loss to Florida.

Of course, much of this conversation is moot. The Cubs’ appearance in the 2008 postseason is practicaly a fait accompli and, when they get there, the 5th starter will no longer cease to exist. If Marquis’ pitching the rest of the regular season has any ramifications for beyond, it will more realistically be to see if Piniella is comfortable having him in the bullpen for the playoffs. Considering that the Cubs will likely be carrying one fewer pitcher on their postseason roster than they have now, Marquis may find himself in a battle with Neal Cotts and Bob Howry just to be allowed to suit up and hang out in the dugout.

So maybe today’s start by Marquis means nothing more than spoiling our predicted track record for the Cubs’ stretch run. And hell, that’s good enough for us. While we already hate Marquis, his inability to close the deal today will only prove to kick up the intensity on this hatred another notch.