Though the White Sox and Cubs are drastically different this season, the yearly Crosstown Series between the North and South sides of Chicago always proves to be entertaining.
It has been quite some time since we have seen a Cubs team as good as the one they are fielding here in the 2016 season. It has been even longer since we have seen the Cubs and White Sox both leading their divisions by landslides when the Crosstown Cup rolled around. That year will not be this year. The White Sox currently sit an embarrassing ten games back of the first place Cleveland Indians in the American League central division and seven games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the second Wild Card spot. Meanwhile the Cubs hold a commanding six and a half game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League central division.
David Miniel, editor of Cubbies Crib, the Cubs website here in the FanSided network, was kind enough to take some time to answer a few questions regarding the upcoming series between the Cubs and the White Sox. Whether you are a White Sox fan with a steaming hatred for the Cubs or the kind of viewer who can tolerate both teams as long as the game is good the following mini interview should satisfy any Chicago baseball junkie.
Southside Showdown: For White Sox fans who haven’t been following the Cubs very closely but know about the big guys like Bryant, Rizzo, and Arrieta, who are some players to watch in the series?
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David: I think two small bats that will get plenty of playing time during that two-game series on the South Side will be Matt Szczur and Tommy La Stella. Both men have played great since the All-Star break, especially Szczur. He has delivered a few RBI knocks coming off the bench while La Stella has filled in at third base with Kris Bryant starting in either left or right field for the Chicago Cubs. There is a very good chance that La Stella will start at the hot corner one day with Bryant possibly penciled in as the designated hitter.
Southside Showdown: What are your thoughts on players like Albert Almora Jr. and Willson Contreras in their first seasons with the Cubs?
David: I think right now, Contreras is ahead of Almora when comparing the two. Obviously, Willson has contributed a little more offensively and has played in the outfield like Kyle Schwarber — another catcher. These two still have plenty of time to improve, like Addison
Russell, Kris Bryant, and a few other young players on this roster and to be honest, it’s scary. Because Almora, Contreras, Bryant, Russell, Schwarber, Baez, Soler are only a few names who began their professional careers as building blocks for this organization. Guys who will spend a majority, if not their entire playing career on the North Side of Chicago. This organization still has a handful of names getting ready to make their big league debut as soon as the rosters expand – or in 2017. So watch out.
Southside Showdown: What is your favorite Cubs-White Sox moment over the past few years?
David: Some fans are probably thinking, ‘This guy is going to say the A.J. Pierzynski and Michael Barrett fight’ — you’re wrong. I have nothing but respect when it comes to the Chicago White Sox. I’m not your ordinary Cubs fan, I love the sport of baseball in general. In fact, Paul Konerko and Frank Thomas are two of my favorite players of all-time and it was sad to see them leave. As far as a specific moment, nothing really comes to mind. I just enjoy watching these two teams come together and play for bragging rights. And this year is going to be one hell of a series.
Southside Showdown: What are some Cubs-White Sox trades you remember most and if you could put together a trade between the Cubs and White Sox at the deadline this year who would you deal?
David: First one that comes to mind is Ron Santo being traded to the Sox back in December of 1973. Obviously, this was long before I existed but it’s still a trade that sticks out considering the fact that it involved former pitcher and Cubs/WhiteSox broadcaster, Steve Stone who spent a few years with the Cubbies before returning to the South Side. And then you have
Sammy Sosa coming over to the Cubs in ’92 and Jon Garland going to the Sox in ’98. But as far as a current trade is concerned, I would more than likely go after Jose Quintana, who would potentially fill in for John Lackey who is close to retiring. I wouldn’t mind having him ahead of Jason Hammel and or Kyle Hendricks. Who would we give up? The Cubs have plenty of prospects within their farm system so there is no telling who they would be willing to part with. Maybe even Javier Baez, even though he’s not considered a prospect anymore.
Southside Showdown: How do you think the Cubs will fare in their remaining games in the 2016 schedule and who are some players you hope will make an impact in the second half?
David: They already have themselves a comfortable lead in the division and at one point, the National League Central stunk. Not only were the Cubs in a slump, but so were the Pirates, Cardinals, Reds, and Brewers. So thankfully, the Cubs are playing much better following the
All-Star break having won the first two series’ to start the second half of the campaign. This is without Jorge Soler and Dexter Fowler. Soler wasn’t much of a factor but Dexter, on the other hand, has been a reliable defender and leadoff man for the Cubs before he was placed on the disabled list. Expect them to score a lot more runs and win more games when he returns to the lineup. He will be our impact player pending any other injuries along the way.
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Next: White Sox Walk-Off Twice on Sunday Against Tigers
This year’s series should be fun to watch and with all of the trade rumors going around who knows whether the teams will look the same by the end of next week. Keep an eye on Cubbies Crib and of course here on Southside Showdown for any and all updates on White Sox baseball