With nine days remaining in the regular season, the Chicago Cubs aren’t officially eliminated from postseason contention, but that is merely a formality at this point. It’s a disappointing position for the organization to be in,

Cubs manager Craig Counsell wasn’t trying to downplay the 10 games that separate his team and the National League Central champion Brewers. “I think the message sent is that there’s a big gap,” Counsell said after the Cubs’ loss the day before had clinched the division for the Brewers.