Alright Cubs, you lost the series between the Sox for the millionth time, given up your hold on first place and have lost 11 of the last 17 games. It is time to step it up. There have been many years that you've started out strong and then faltered in the end. Don't let that happen this year.

Our pitching is excellent. It is rare for another team to score more than five runs on us. I had big plans for our offense too, after the 16-2 win over the Mets in the season opener. Unfortunately, injuries to Choi and Sammy--and the occasional suspension--have made it tough for the team to score runs in the last month. Now is the time to bring things back around. Choi will likely be back today and Sammy seems on the verge of a good streak. Granted the Sox intentionally walked Corey Patterson to load the bases for Sosa, but I have faith in him. He will prevail.

So I'll reiterate, please don't disappoint me. I have remained a loyal optimist and fan all these years and I don't even expect or really hope for a World Series victory. All I want to see is a commanding lead in first place and a trip to the playoffs. That will make me happy. At that point, feel free to let the bullpen fall apart and use bats made entirely of cork if you'd like. It won't matter as I will be happy enough.