As the much-anticipated crosstown series kicks off this weekend, the competitive fire of those who wear black and white or bleed Cubbie blue burns brightly.
Even though this year is the 10-year anniversary of the White Sox winning the World Series, I’m not hiding behind a championship ring. Well on their way to another losing season, “fire” could be the operative word in offering three predictions for the Sox’s future after the weekend is over.
FIRE UP THE GRILL
No, I’m not talking about the grills at the Hot Doug’s sausage stand behind Wrigley’s bleachers. They call it the hot seat, and the one belonging to Sox management is sizzling more than a July Fourth barbecue in the eyes of fans. The Sox losing the crosstown series to the Cubbies could be heartburn enough for team ownership so that the next time Hawk Harrelson says “he gone,” he will be referring to the jobs of manager Robin Ventura, general manager Rick Hahn or even executive VP Ken Williams.
In the spirit of Hot Doug-style creative sausage names, what would you call a $115 million team that falls significantly short of expectations, causes heartbreak and leaves a bad taste in your mouth? More wiener than winner, that’s for sure.
FIRE UP THE SCOREBOARD
On the other hand, the crosstown series could be the inspiration the players need to fire them up and to ignite excitement among the the fans. To do that, the Sox will have to fire up the scoreboard. LITERALLY.
Seriously, I’ve seen more fireworks in my neighborhood than during games at the Cell this season. Yet despite the fact the Sox offense ranks last in the American League in runs scored and home runs, they are still within striking distance of a wild card slot. A sweep at Wrigley could start the Sox’s ride on the road to redemption. Fire it up, boys, while there’s still time.
FIRE SALE
I know people think I’m more cuckoo than the Cocoa Puffs bird, but rest assured I’m not saying the Sox should “fire” ace Chris Sale. However, would you have me committed to Arkham Asylum if I suggested trading him?
The crosstown series could be the ultimate audition for something the Cubs need and the Sox have: pitching. While I’m not uttering the treasonous suggestion of giving our only All-Star and face of the franchise to the North Side, a crosstown clobbering at the Cubs’ hands easily could lead to a South Side fire sale. Everyone can go (besides Sale and Jose Abreu). The best way to find a future offensive bear could be by getting some young Cubs. At the right price, could you ignore a Sale sale?
Soxman is a RedEye special contributor. @thesoxman72
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WHITE SOX AT CUBS
3:05 p.m. Friday, WGN (Sox broadcast) and CSN (Cubs)
3:05 p.m. Saturday, CSN (Sox) and ABC-7 (Cubs)
1:20 p.m. Sunday, CSN (Sox) and ABC-7 (Cubs)
