A Tale of Two Cities:

‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.’

The first page of the famous Dickens novel aptly describes the state of feeling in Chicago fandom these days, and this divergence of WhiteSox euphoria and Cubs despair was on full display in the crosstown series. Both of these franchises have fabled histories, and have maintained a co-dependence based as much on futility as geography. Is it possible we saw a changing of the guard this past weekend w/Chicago going from a Cubs to a WhiteSox town? The plot took a dramatic twist on Saturday, even by Windy City standards. After getting bowled over at the plate, Cubs catcher Michael Barrett tried literally to beat the "dickens" out of A.J. Pierzynski, landing a cheap haymaker, and igniting a bench-clearing brawl.(Barrett later received a 10-game suspension for his Jerry Springer-like theatrics). The notorious and emotional Pierzynski, somehow kept his feet after the blind-sided blow, and more impressively, kept his cool.

"It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness."

The brilliance of Ozzie Guillen and his diverse staff, old-school coaches who stress fundamentals, accountability, and team play. Cubs manager Dusty Baker has seemingly assembled a staff of ‘yes’ men devoid of creative thought. Over the last 2 years, the Cubs have repeatedly made mental errors. Missed signs, not covering first, botched pickles, not knowing how many outs there are, etc. The Cubs have invented ways to lose, and invented ways to excuse themselves from it as well.

"It was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity."

Ozzie sticking by young reliever Neal Cotts two years ago, paying big dividends in last year’s run. The improbable story of the unknown closer Bobby Jenks. Staying true and able to change the face of the franchise, letting the petulant Frank Thomas depart. Not being complacent after reaching the ultimate prize, willing to assume risk trading fan favorite OF Aaron Rowand, to acquire the big upside of a Jim Thome who was injured last year. The Cubs, in contrast, have watch countless players underachieve. Corey Patterson, Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Kyle Farnsworth, et al. While these eyes don’t have all the answers, it appears the North Siders haven’t even grasped the questions.

"It was the season of light. It was the season of darkness."

The South Side has its first World Series ring in 88 years as a result of the Ozzie/Kennyball Era, and are playing solid baseball this year as they mount their defense. After missing the playoffs 2 years in a row, The North Side watched their MVP candidate Derrick Lee break his wrist in a freak accident, and suffered through an unthinkable 4-19 stretch as of press time.

"It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."

In 2004, the WhiteSox television ratings on WGN/WCIU and Fox Sports were 3.7 and 2.1 respectively. Thus far in 2006, they are 4.6 and 2.6, increases of 24 and 19 percent. The Cubs ratings in 2004 were 9.1 and 6.5. This year, 4.9 and 3.4, DECREASES of 46 and 47 percent. The anecdotes are many, but these real numbers are remarkable.

"We had everything before us, we have nothing before us."

The WhiteSox are playing like champions, seeking to defend their crown, and would make the playoffs were the season over today. The Cubs? Re-signed to speculation of whom they will ‘sell’ come the trading deadline, and this before the month of May has reached a conclusion.

Summary: Just as the backdrop of Dickens’ "A Tale of Two Cities’ itself, which was set in a time of revolution in France, we are witnessing a baseball revolution in Chicago. There is a renaissance on the South Side, which has been perpetuated by Manager Ozzie, GM Kenny Williams, and CEO Jerry Reinsdorf being true, getting back to real baseball, and looking inward to make difficult decisions. The Cubs have held themselves hostage by deflection of blame, conventional thought, and talking rather than doing. Proactive vs Reactive. Independent thought vs corporate groupthink. Wanting to win vs wanting the almight dollar.

Going forward the Cubs will occasionally get their once a decade playoff ‘cup of coffee’, which will keep hope alive, the turnstiles moving and stale 7 dollar beers selling. Yet until the suits of the Tribune Company decide to divest the Cubs franchise and have a progressive owner come in, Cubs fans can can look forward to much more of the same mediocrity.

A.J. Pierzynski took the high road in the weekend altercation with Barrett, a development as unlikely as Chicago becoming a WhiteSox town.  Representative of a squad more interested in winning, than extra-curricular activity or tomfoolery.  Kenny Williams, GM of the WhiteSox, said earlier this year he wouldn’t be happy until his squad was number #1 in Chicago, not just the league. If they’re not there yet, they are well on their way. Times do change. A Tale of Two baseball ‘Cities’, indeed.

Peace, E Maj