In case you missed it, Cubs SS Andres Blanco made a spectacular play this past weekend on a ball hit by the Mets Jeff Francoeur.  The fact that Blanco was able to field the ball at all was impressive, but his throw to first was just out of this world.

My buddy Joe Posnanski (truthfully, I don’t know Joe) wrote a great piece about the first time he ever saw Blanco.  It’s a good read and a good indication of just how special the kid really is.  His minor league career has been marred by injuries, but now that he’s healthy, he’s starting to learn how to hit.  He’s not a great hitter and maybe never will be, but he has made a great deal of progress over the past couple of years.

Is Andres Blanco destined to become the Cubs next shortstop?  I personally would like to see Ryan Theriot play second base next year, but I’m not competely sold on the idea of having Blanco take over for Theriot at shortstop.  Because he is such a terrific fielder, maybe Blanco can become the Cubs super-sub.  Only time will tell…

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The Cubs and Giants were both idle yesterday, but the other Wildcard contenders were in action.  Here’s how they did:

• Colorado beat Cincinnati 5-1
• Florida beat the Mets 13-4
• Atlanta beat Houston 9-7

The Cubs are now 8.5 games behind Colorado and tied for fourth in the Wildcard race with Atlanta.