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CHICAGO -- While a bunch of teams are fighting for playoff spots all over baseball, the Chicago Cubs are feeling their way through rare territory.The Cubs clinched the NL Central title a full three weeks before their first playoff game, giving the organization plenty of time to rest players and analyze possible postseason opponents, but also making for a tricky stretch when it comes to staying sharp when there isnt as much at stake.After the Cubs dropped three of four against the Brewers last weekend, manager Joe Maddon met with his hitters before Monday nights game against Cincinnati and talked to them about making the most of the final part of the season.Its unusual being in this position like we are right now, Maddon said after the meeting. So youve got two weeks of baseball, major league baseball, left in September, so lets work on some stuff. Lets work on things that we need to work on individually or as a group. Like I said, not unlike a spring training situation, while within the context were just going out there playing the same game, were trying to win this game.The Cubs began the day with a six-game lead over Washington for the best record in the National League and home-field advantage throughout the NL playoffs. The Mets, Cardinals and Giants are fighting for the two wild cards, making one of them the likely division series opponent for Maddon & Co.I probably will watch Washington more than anything right now, Maddon said. Thats the one that were shooting for, is to have the best record.While the wild cards likely will go down to the final few days of the season, the Cubs will have organizational meetings Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss possible playoff matchups and how they might line up for each series. They have scouts watching each potential postseason opponent.Each team presents its own set of challenges and might have roster implications one way or another, too, president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said.The Cubs also are planning for their four-day break between the end of the regular season and their playoff opener on Oct. 7, which Maddon also covered in his meeting with the hitters.Thats a long time, so we have to really get our minds right over the next couple, three weeks to really be prepared properly for that first game, Maddon said, and I wanted it to start today.Epstein said the Cubs are considering having a simulated game during the four-day break before Game 1 of the Division Series, providing a chance for the starters and relievers to get some work in and for the hitters to see live pitching.The 42-year-old Epstein has never been in a situation like this before, with the team clinching so early, but said he likes it compared to the alternative.I think its what you make of it, he said. To me, its a lot better than having to push your guys extra hard and put more innings on guys arms and not giving them enough rest and then maybe waking up and being worn down.Chicago had to wait until Sept. 25 to clinch its 2015 wild card, and then made it all the way to the NL Championship Series before it was swept by New York.The early clinch also allows the Cubs to go as slow as they want with any players with health issues. Maddon said outfielder Jorge Soler, who left Fridays 5-4 victory over the Brewers with tightness on his right side, could be available to pinch hit on Tuesday. Key reliever Pedro Strop, who is coming back from knee and groin injuries, is on track to pitch in a simulated game soon.---Jay Cohen can be reached at http://www.twitter.com/jcohenap Jerseys From China . 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Sam Whitelock has two days to prove his fitness for New Zealands revenge mission against Ireland in Dublin.New Zealand are desperate to restore their potent first-choice lock pairing of Brodie Retallick and Whitelock for Saturdays Aviva Stadium showdown.The All Blacks are itching to atone for their 40-29 loss to Ireland in Chicago on November 5, and would be boosted hugely should Retallick and Whitelock pair up once again.Retallick is fit after concussion, but Whitelock is still battling ankle trouble, with assistant coach Ian Foster admitting the 28-year-old is not yet out of the injury woods.He has still got a few hurdles to go over in the next two days, to test it in a game-like situation, said Foster.Ireland claimed their maiden win over New Zealand at Chicagos Soldier Field, Joe Schmidts side downing the All Blacks for the first time in 111 years of trying.New Zealand surrendered their record 18-match winning streak in the United States, and are now desperate to make amends on Irish soil.Flanker Jerome Kaino was parachuted in at lock in Chhicago in the absence of both Retallick and Whitelock, with Luke Romano having returned home due to a family bereavement.ddddddddddddreland targeted that weakness mercilessly, but there will be no repeat this weekend, with Retallick back in the saddle.Whitelocks potential return would strengthen the All Blacks still further, with the Crusaders second row aiming for his first action since the 37-10 win over Australia in Auckland on October 22.The All Blacks have taken time to lend what support they can back home, after a host of earthquakes hit New Zealands south island, with the epicentre near the town of Kaikoura.All Blacks assistant Foster said the players and management had taken time out of their schedule to reach out to friends and family.The most important thing right now is that everyone is safe back in New Zealand, that is our first thought, said Foster. Once we sort that out we will move onto the next task. ' ' '