Five Big Series’

As the last of the March snow melts, the ball clubs on both sides of town prepare for opening day. The White Sox and Cubs will wrap up their exhibition schedules in big league ballparks this weekend. The Cubs will bid the Astro’s their National League adieu before heading to Pittsburgh for Monday’s opener. The White Sox will be a Hiawatha ride away in Milwaukee on Saturday, and Amtrak back Monday for their first game against the Royals.

Here’s a look at five big home series’ for the White Sox and Cubs.

White Sox

April 19-21 – vs Minnesota

After a 10 day-10 game road trip, the White Sox will go directly home to play 10 more in a row, beginning with the Twins. One of the keys to a good season will be a good first month, something the Twins have made a difficult task for the Sox in recent years. However, the Sox will not have to go to Target Field in April or September.

June 10-12 – vs Toronto

The White Sox will get a chance to face off against South Side hero Mark Buehrle and a revamped Toronto staff who most predict to compete for the AL East crown. The Jays added ace Josh Johnson and 2012 NL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey to their rotation, along with former Giant Melky Cabrera and veteran second baseman Marcier Izturis.

July 19-21 Atlanta

A ten game homestand begins after the all-star break on Friday, July 19th when the Braves come to town for a weekend series. The Sox have dominated interleague play in recent seasons, and rank 3rd all-time in AL Interleague win percentage. When the White Sox lineup faces National League pitching, the ball just seems to jump off the bat.

August 12-14 – Detroit

A stretch of four three-game series in mid-August against Central foes Minnesota, Detroit and Kansas City could make or break the White Sox postseason hopes. Sandwiched between series with the twins is a crucial three game set against the Tigers. Wednesday, August 14th could be a pivotal day game before the Sox head to Minneapolis and Kansas City right after.

September 26-29 Kansas City

Come end of September, Robin Ventura’s bunch could be fighting for a division crown, wildcard spot, or jockeying to finish ahead of the Royals in the AL Central cellar. The final 19 games of the season will be played against Central Division opponents, and provided the arms stay healthy and bats remain awake all season, it will be crunch time or call-up time.

Cubs

Take Your Pick

It’s a rebuilding year for Theo Epstein’s Cubs. As the Rickett’s family battles with stubborn Aldermen and residents over Wrigleyville’s makeup, the Cubs have few bright spots and may not be able to keep up with a less crowded NL Central. Anthony Rizzo and former Notre Dame Wide Receiver/Opening Day Starter Jeff Samardzija will play another season of baseball (sp?) on the North Side. Go to Wrigley, take in a game while the manual scoreboard is still there.