As the Cubs continue their series with the Reds, I've decided that it's time to give Kenny Williams and the White Sox a call and say thank you. Before you stop reading, let me explain why it's important to take time out to thank our cross town rivals. I've always been taught to be appreciative when people do things for you and to say 'thank you' in return for that kindness. With that being said, 'Thank You, Kenny Williams and the White Sox for . . .'
Trading for Carlos Quentin in the off-season In December, Kenny Williams made a deal for Quentin in exchange for a nobody in 26 year old Heath Bell. Quentin was coming off a rough year in which he was a part time player for the Diamondbacks and was bad at that. The Diamondbacks were fresh off rocking the Cubs world in the first round and looked to be getting better this year with age and experience. By Williams pulling Quentin from the Sox, it got a potential MVP out of the National League. If the Cubs win this division, there is a good chance they will play Arizona in the first round. Imagine how bad that could be with a guy like Carlos Quentin in the mix. Thank You Kenny!
The Loss of Quentin prompted the Diamondbacks to acquire Adam Dunn This brings us to the Reds. The Cubs face the Reds six more times this year and that will take place without Dunn, who has hit the Cubs better than any other team in the National League. The Reds offense doesn't look anywhere near as imposing with the loss of the big slugger and that should allow them to steal some easy games down the stretch as they try to wrap this division up as soon as possible. Last year they were forced to drag it down to the wire. This year it's going to be over and over soon for the Brewers and Cardinals. Thank You Kenny!!
The White Sox success has taken some of the focus away from the Cubs All year last year, with the Sox struggling, the Cubs had the spotlight shining on them. With that pressure and the talk about the 100 year drought, they came out and laid an egg in round one. This year, with the Sox playing well, it should be a little easier for them to go in with a little less pressure and more confidence. There is always going to be that talk from ESPN and the like about the 100 year garbage, but the Sox winning this season has to take some of the pressure off us and for that I say a big, hearty, Thank You Kenny!!!