Despite a tumultuous season, the 2009 Chicago Cubs find themselves holding a half game lead as play ends on July 26. I’m of two minds on the subject. Here’s an airing of both.

It’s good to be in first place

Especially if you’re still two games down in the Wild Card

The team has been built on solid pitching, especially of the starting variety

The most reliable starter is on the disabled list for the next several weeks

While Ted Lilly has arrived on the DL, Ryan Dempster is coming off

Unless it happens Monday against, the Astros, we won’t see Justin Berg’s debut as a result

Wait, that was two good things in a row (sorry, Justin)

Alfonso Soriano has adjusted to the sixth spot in the line-up

He’s great when hot, his next cold streak may arrive down the stretch

Milton Bradley is hitting better, sometimes

Still far below expectations, much to Steve Stone’s enjoyment

The Cubs could acquire Chris Snyder from Arizona

Maybe that means Geovany Soto’s rehab is progressing slowly

Koyie Hill wouldn’t have to play every day

Jake Fox or Micah Hoffpauir could lose their roster spot right away

OK, Hoffpauir would not be a big loss, but I’d hate to see Fox lose his job

So would Lou, considering the health of DLee’s neck

Right, Fox did start, not Hoffpauir, against the right-handed Micah Owings.

I’ll end on a positive note. Get healthy, Cubs, and keep hitting.