Taking Spongeblog's lead, and being almost mid season, I want to spend a few moments discussing MLB.
Being a Cubs fan almost all my life, I have wanted nothing more than to see them at least make it to the World Series. Having watched the 2003 playoffs and sinking into a deep depression that lasted almost two weeks, I now approach each year with cautious optimism. Last year I didn't think they had what it took, and I was right. This year was much the same, until this last series with the White Sox caused me to re-think things.
The best team in the National League by far, in my opinion, is the St. Louis Cardinals. With all the talent they have, and if their pitching staff remains healthy, I see no problem with them winning the division. That being said, the next question is who's going to win the other divisions? Who cares. The wild card is where I think the Cubs have a really good shot. If they can beat the best team in baseball (CWS) two out of three, then I think they have a shot at the wild card. If they can beat the best team in baseball (CWS) two out of three, then I think they have a shot at taking the pennant, whether it be against the Cardinals or whoever else.
Now to the American League. Boston is looking good, again, and everyone else (except for the Sox) are "eiiigh." So, assuming the Sox stay on their current stampede, I am expecting them to take the division, and if they can keep their heads together, they can win the pennant.
A lot of "ifs" here, I know, but I would *LOVE*, just *LOVE* to see an all-Chicago World Series. It probably won't happen with all the variables (even though I know they have the potential to do it, I just don't think the Cubs are going to be strong enough to follow through) but it would be so nice to see.
A special note to all you Chicago-ites:
In Central Illinois, we are generally for both Chicago Teams, not either/or. There is no big Sox/Cubs rivalry here. It's Cards/Cubs for the most part (hey, we've had murders in this city over the two.)
So, have a great summer, and go Cubs! go Sox!
3 comments:
Just out of curiousity: Does anyone have any good stories about the Cubs/Cards rivalry here in town? (It doesn't need to relate a murder as stated above, mind you.)
I'll start with mine.
I was invited to go with family to Busch Stadium (it is sad that place is coming down...I mean that) to watch a Cubs/Cards game. On this particular occasion, the Cubs bats were on fire, and the Cubs won by a score of 12-1 or something like that. I was sitting in the nosebleed section about midway up, when this guy in a Cubs jersey (drinking his 8th beer I'm sure) stands up, turns around, and starts saying with a slur, "Cubbbiiiiesssth" over and over again. Most Cards fans ignored him, and most of us Cubs fans thought it was funny...once. After the 12th time he got up and did it again, a similarly enebriated Cardinal fan initiated physical contact, but neither accurately landed blows to do anything but make them out of breath. After 30 seconds of pseudo-wrestling, both were escorted from the stadium. I think I saw about 3 or 4 fights in various parts of the stadium that day.
In 1968 sitting in Wrigley Field watching the Cardinals beat the Cubs in a doubleheader. Ohne hot July 4th in St louis Jenkins beating Gibby in a low run game done in about 1 hour plus.
It seems that the Cubs beat the Cardinals more often. But I have been able to watch the World Series at Busch and they won it in 1982 (i saw game 2 that they won.)
With Wood and Prior back the Cubs could give the Cardinals problems the rest of the way. Where is Steve Bartman when you need him?
OK, I just watched the Cubs drop three to the Washington Liberals, I mean, Nationals.
They're going to be lucky to make the wild card this year.
Maybe someone will slip some creatine in their drinking water or something.
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