The Curse of Wrigley Field

The only thing more surprising than the Cubs sweeping Arizona this weekend was Jay Mariotti writing something positive about the team. Well, sort of.

While Mariotti downplays the whole idea of revenge (I say screw it and play it up big time!), he does grudgingly acknowledge there is a pretty good baseball team on the North Side. The same way a child grudgingly apologizes for hitting someone.

Let’s take a closer look, shall we?

At least the birds were civil as they sauntered across our TV screens, unlike the dunderhead who was hauled down by security officers after leaping from the bleachers. Um, that’s how many stupid-fan episodes at Wrigley Field this season compared to U.S. Cellular Field? Four to zip, I believe. But, oops, I’m complaining. And there’s no reason to complain.

Aaaahahahaha, Jay. Cubs fans are rowdier than White Sox fans. OK, so there has been more unruliness at Wrigley than at the God-forsaken Cell. But does anyone really care about the Sox? Just ask Ozzie Guillen about that. Wait, on second though, maybe you shouldn’t. Anyway, I digress.

So after his slight shot at the North Side, Mariotti has this to say:

But as we near the season’s quarter pole, I think it’s permissable (sic) to examine the National League and arrive at a reasonable conclusion about the Cubs and D’Backs:

Expect both to be playing in October, probably against each other again.

Man, I don’t know how he can keep his credibility with such blatant homerism. Oh, here’s some more:

Sweeping a team in May doesn’t negate being swept the previous fall. But I suspect the Cubs will have another chance this October.

Truly, life is good in a mope-free zone, if only for a day or two.

Hm, sounds like Mariotti is already clearing his schedule for a possible Cubs appearance in the World Series.

Not included in the pull quotes is an entire paragraph explaining why the National League is weak, essentially implying that the Cubs can win, not because of solid play but because everyone else will choke.

This makes me wonder what the ever-cynical Mariotti would write if he covered the birth of his child.

“I had a son born today, although he was crying more than Lou Piniella during one his tirades. The kid may someday be successful but until he learns to do something simple like feed himself, I don’t see him making much of a difference in my life.”