--RHP Bob Howry may have pitched himself back into consideration for a roster spot and a key role in the playoffs. Howry worked out of a ninth-inning jam Wednesday, allowing the Cubs to come back and win in the 10th. Manager Lou Piniella has rested Howry of late in an effort to get some life back on his fastball.

--1B/OF Micah Hoffpauir may be edging out OF Felix Pie for a postseason roster spot. Hoffpauir hit his first two major league homers to go along with a double and two singles. Manager Lou Piniella wants another left-handed bat, and Hoffpauir has hit with more authority than Pie, who provides speed and outfield defense. "Impressive," manager Lou Piniella said. "We're looking. We really are."

--RHP Chad Gaudin, who is on the mend from a back injury, gave up a run and a hit in one inning. In addition to looking for bench help for the playoffs, manager Lou Piniella is watching to see how his bullpen shakes out. "We're getting Gaudin some work to see if he's going to be ready," Piniella said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 800 -- The Cubs reached the 800 mark in runs scored last week. It's their first 800-run season since 1998. The Cubs now have only eight seasons of 800 runs or more since 1900.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "What this team shows is that it's a team. We're getting close to where we want to go." -- Manager Lou Piniella, as his team closed in on the NL Central title for a second straight year.