Cubs vs. White Sox series has some extra buzzPatrick Sheldonon August 21, 2020 at 5:48 pm

The Cubs sit in first place in the NL Central with the majors’ third-best record, while the White Sox come in at third in the AL Central but are only two games out (1.5 in the Wild Card race). So when the teams square off tonight, as Jon Lester faces Dallas Keuchel, the games will mean a little more.

As it is, in a 60-game shortened season, every game carries much more significance than in years past. Now add to it the fact that both teams are trying to maintain their position for a playoff spot, and the atmosphere would have been electric for fans.

Imagine the debates in the outfield that would have taken place in earnest over a few adult beverages. Cubs fans ribbing Sox fans for the Fernando Tatis trade, with Sox fans returning the favor by thanking the Cubs for Eloy Jimenez. Those arguments would have crescendoed with a debate over who is the best shortstop in Chicago — Tim Anderson or Javier Baez.

So as not to create a war, I will refrain from tackling that question (at least for today) and instead focus on the fact that it’s just another juicy storyline to embrace in this 2020 version of the rivalry. Unfortunately, fans won’t get to experience it live but I encourage you to rib your buddy mercilessly through text, email, or social media. Take advantage of this excitement because it has been a while since it’s existed and it’s no guarantee to be here in the future.