Cubs & White Sox Face Off in 2007

We Chicago sports fans sure didn't have very long to mourn the end of the Bulls season. Barely 12 hours later, the trash talking is reaching a fever pitch, as the Cubs and White Sox face off for the first time in 2007. Wrigley Field hosts the first installment of the city's annual crosstown showdown, beginning with Friday's matinee.

The teams enter this weekend's series on opposite trajectories, with the Sox having won eight of the last eleven, including two of three from the Yankees. Meanwhile, the Cubs' have hit choppy waters of late losing six of their last ten — some in dramatic fashion. What's worse, walking in the losing run or letting a 5-1 lead slip away in the 9th?

Fueling the debate between North Siders and South Siders, The Trib's Phil Rogers lists his annual All Chicago Team which is sure to start countless arguments in coming days. Once again, it seems a little heavy on the Cubbies. Chicagoist wonders if that bias will finally fade away once the Cubs are no longer part of the Tribune Co.

While they're only three games over a long 162 game season, these wins mean more to Cubs and Sox fans than the others. Do the managers realize that? We can forgive Lou Piniella for not understanding since he's new to town. But Ozzie? He should know better!

Not only has Ozzie managed six previous Cubs-Sox series during his tenure as manager, he played in how many Crosstown Classics -- back when they played once a year, in an exhibition game prior to interleague play.

So we were more than a little puzzled when we heard that Guillen planned to use only his bullben on Sunday. He initially said he was going to start relief pitcher Nick Masset and rely heavily on his bullpen. Coming to his senses, Guillen reversed course and now plans to start Jose Conteras on three days rest on Sunday. WIll he be looking to close out a sweep? Take the rubber match? Or will Conteras head out to the mound hoping to salvage the last game of the series?