After an atrocious loss yesterday put an end to one of the strangest Cubs home series of the year, I think it's safe to say the Cubs are actually welcoming Round 2 of the Crosstown Classic. The Cubs are just .500 in interleague play now, so this series would be the chance to finish it off right

I'm ready to put yesterday in the past. Jason Marquis was shot down to Earth-it should come as no surprise to anyone that he's generally terrible and no better than a fifth starter. Not to take any credit away from bad outings by Lieber, Wuertz and Eyre, but this was obviously a hole dug by Marquis. It certainly doesn't help the Cubs comeback chances, however, when the bullpen tacks on 4 runs. I'm waiting for the game the Cubs lose when the score is close and the bullpen has to take over early. They can't keep people off base and that's begging for trouble.

So I'm ready to face the White Sox, especially Jose Contreras in game 1 with Dempster on the mound hungry for his first road win. If there's any game the Cubs should win, especially coming off severe disappointment yesterday, this is the one.

The only question heading into this series about the results is: how much will switching ballparks affect the outcome of the series? I mean, there is another variable with the minor injuries the Cubs have sustained lately, but considering how much better each of these teams are at home and how much worse they are on the road, could it be a complete reversal?

Unlikely. As much as I'm prepared to give the White Sox full credit for playing well at home, the Cubs are a better team. Even though they're just 2-4 with a DH this season, I'm going to say the Cubs will at least take one. My optimism is not exactly brimming, if you can't tell. I'll be happy with 2, impressed by 3, satisfied but mostly unemotional with 1. With Sean Squared on the mound in this series-one coming off a bad outing and one who hasn't started in a week, what more can you really ask for?