Chicago White Sox vs. Chicago Cubs Series Preview

Series could jump-start the Cubs

So far, the Chicago Cubs season reminds me a lot of George Costanza. They’re doing just enough not to get fired, but at the same time, not showing off too much. Well, it’s time for the Cubs to start showing off. As of Tuesday morning, they sit at 17-15 overall, 2.5 games behind the NL Central-leading St. Louis Cardinals, who just completed a three-game sweep of the Cubs.

Needless to say, something needs to inject some life into this ballclub. The Cubs are a full season removed from a World Series championship, so the “hangover” excuse is off the table. As Theo Epstein pointed out, this team is simply struggling. The season certainly is not over for the Cubs. They still have 130 games left on their schedule, so it would be premature to stick the fork in them just yet. However, as they like to say in baseball, it’s getting late early.

Perhaps a three-game set with their rivals from the South Side is just what the doctor ordered to get their juices flowing. The Cubs handled their business Monday night, pounding the Miami Marlins 14-2. They play two more against the Marlins before beginning the White Sox series begins on Friday. If they can sweep Miami (as they should) then they would enter the White Sox series with some momentum.

Assuming this happens, the Cubs would roll into the weekend with a little extra pep in their step. Though they should have no trouble getting up for the White Sox series. However, it’s imperative that they take at least two out of three from the White Sox. If the Cubs want to be considered a World Series contender, they need to handle teams like the White Sox. Granted, these games will be hard-fought, but a series win could be the springboard they need to go on a run. Therefore, the Marlins series could be the kindling that gets the Cubs to this weekend where they can figuratively “catch fire.”