Gregor: White Sox have plenty to prove against Cubs
The Cubs (46-38) have a better record than the White Sox (39-44) this season.
They have better players than the Sox.
Joe Maddon is a better manager than Robin Ventura.
In the front office, the Cubs' Theo Epstein-Jed Hoyer duo is better than Kenny Williams-Rick Hahn.
Tom Ricketts is a better owner than Jerry Reinsdorf.
The Cubs have a better ballpark, and a much bigger fan base.
From all angles, the White Sox don't measure up with the Cubs this season. When they travel to Wrigley Field this weekend for a three-game interleague series, the Sox have the perfect opportunity to even some scores.
"I don't know if there's a chip, but you always want to do well," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "Your fans want you to do well. You probably get an underdog feel, or whatever, but I think we've always had that, regardless of who we're playing."
The Sox are a desperate team because they're widely viewed as sellers with the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline approaching.
With 7 wins in 9 games, they are also a hot team heading into the all-star break.
"We're excited," center fielder Adam Eaton said. "It's three games we want to compete in and get a W, but it's exciting for the city. They're excited for the rivalry."
The White Sox won 3 of 4 against the Cubs last season. Rookie left-hander Carlos Rodon gets the start in Friday's opener.
"I hope it's fun for him," Ventura said. "He'll enjoy it. He's a competitor and that's the fun part about playing in these games."
Rodon is trying to treat the Cubs like any other start.
"It's just another baseball game," Rodon said. "But I heard the Crosstown Cup here is a pretty good deal. It should be a good atmosphere. It should be fun. It's exciting but nothing changes. Go as long as I can and give the team a chance to win."
Cubs-White Sox scouting report
Cubs vs. White Sox at Wrigley Field
TV: Comcast SportsNet and WGN Friday; ABC 7 and WGN Saturday; ABC 7 and Comcast SportsNet Sunday
Radio: WBBM 780-AM and WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The Cubs' Kyle Hendricks (4-4) vs. Carlos Rodon (3-2) Friday at 3:05 p.m.; Jon Lester (4-7) vs. Chris Sale (7-4) Saturday at 3:05 p.m.; Jake Arrieta (9-5) vs. Jose Quintana (4-7) Sunday at 1:20 p.m.
About the Cubs: The Cubs had an off-day Thursday to recover from Wednesday night's ninth-inning loss to the Cardinals. Even with the loss, the Cubs (46-38) entered Thursday holding the second wild-card spot in the National League. All-star Anthony Rizzo has a line of .296/.408/.546 with 16 home runs and 48 RBI. The Cubs' other all-star, Kris Bryant, is at .275/.381/.478 with 12 homers and 50 RBI. The Cubs need Starlin Castro to get going. He is 2-for-23 on the current homestand. The Cubs ranked 11th Thursday in the NL in runs scored, eighth in on-base percentage and seventh in homers. Their team ERA of 3.36 was fifth.
About the White Sox: They won 3 of 4 vs. the Cubs last season and have won 9 of their last 13 at Wrigley Field. Left fielder Melky Cabrera is hitting well since moving to the No. 3 spot in the lineup. Cabrera has an eight-game hitting streak and is batting .379 with 2 home runs and 8 RBI over the stretch. Jose Abreu has an 11-game hitting streak. Reliever Scott Carroll was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte after Thursday's win vs. Toronto. Matt Albers is expected to be activated off the disabled list Friday.
Next for the Cubs: Atlanta Braves at Turner Field, July 17-19
Next for the White Sox: Kansas City Royals at U.S. Cellular Field, July 17-19
- Bruce Miles and Scot Gregor