Pennant Race Baseball

Returns to Chicago tonight. The White Sox and the Indians are about to play the biggest series for both franchises in years.

Around Chicago, Sox fans are nervous. Comparisons to the '78 Red Sox, the '64 Phillies, and--most hurtful to most Sox fans--the '69 Cubs are being made. Still the Sox enter this series with a 3-1/2 game lead over the tribe. This means they could get swept and still lead the division. More likely they will leave this series with a 2-1/2 or 4-1/2 game lead with a week and a half to play.

Cub fans have different feelings toward the White Sox. Many of us are indifferent and really don't wish them anything bad. Still many others cannot stand the thought of seeing the Sox play in the postseason. Whatever way you stand these should be three fun baseball games to watch at U.S. Comiscular. As a baseball fan I'll enjoy the pennant races with or without the Northsiders.

Out West
Take a look out in the NL West. The .500 Padres have opened up a 5-1/2 game lead over the Giants. The Cubs would be 1 game back if they were in the NL West.

I heard somebody on XM-Radio's MLB HomePlate propose the idea that a division winning team that is .500 or below should not make the playoffs. If this were to happen the league would take the team that comes in second in the Wildcard. I like this idea. I wonder if the MLB owners will take a look at this in the offseason.