For instance, the Chicago Bears are gearing up for their 2008 campaign and yet, it doesn't really seem as though people are paying the normal attention to it.
That something is the early stages of a massive infection of playoff fever. Cubs fans are starting to catch it, and so too are the White Sox fans. It's spreading day by day and the only thing that can stop it is if either team fails to qualify for the post season classic.
All that remains is 45 days after today is through. And in that time, both squads have incredibly daunting schedules that are made up of a few series capable of turning this last month or so into a disaster.
So without further ado, here are the Top Ten Most Important Remaining Cubs-Sox Series.
We'll start with the Sox.
5. Tampa Bay Rays
U.S. Cellular Field
August 22, 23, 24
Next weekend the Sox square off against the most surprising team in baseball this year in the Rays. They've been solid from day one of the season, but injuries to rookie sensation Evan Longoria and stud left fielder Carl Crawford have people wondering if they can fend off the reigning World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
More importantly, the Minnesota Twins travel to Los Angeles to face off against the Angles (75-43) - the best team in baseball. If the Sox can take two of three in this series there is a very good chance they could have a game or two lead on the Twinkies by the end of the weekend.
4. Boston Red Sox
Fenway Park
August 29, 30, 31
There is one stat that absolutely frightens me as a White Sox fan in this series, and that's Boston's record at home.
41 wins
16 losses
With numbers like that it doesn't seem as if the pale hose have a chance in hell at taking this series. Pitching will be paramount in this matchup and the Sox of the blanco variety will need to step up big time.
3. Los Angeles Angels
U.S. Cellular Field
September 5, 6, 7
The aforementioned Angels have transformed into an absolute juggernaut after acquiring switch-hitting first baseman Mark Texiera from the Braves a couple weeks ago. They have without a doubt the best closer in baseball (Francisco Rodriguez, 46 saves) and an extremely solid starting rotation.
This could be the litmus test Sox fans need to know if the 'good guys' are playoff ready. If you're thinking the Sox get a sweep here, head directly to a psychiatrist because you are delusional. Taking two would be a huge accomplishment against a team as tough as the Angels.
2. New York Yankees
Yankee Stadium
September 15, 16, 17, 18
Anytime there is a four game series on the schedule this late into the season, things can get mighty interesting. Especially if said four game series is against the New York Yankees in Yankee Stadium.
The Yankees aren't very good, mediocre at best with the wide variety of injuries that have plagued them in recent months. But they're still a dangerous team and the Sox need to do some serious damage because the Twins will be playing the lowly Indians at the same time.
Indians fans know their team waved the white flag months ago and it's no surprise this team won't have much to play for down the stretch.
The Sox need to either split, or take three of four to keep the lead, or keep pace with Minnesota.
1. Minnesota Twins
Metrodome
September 23, 24, 25
And it all comes down to this.
The second to last series of the season for both teams very well may mean the difference between an AL Central crown or an early vacation.
If these two teams keep up the same pace they've shown the past couple weeks, only a single game may separate them in the standings making this series so crucial.
What hurts the Sox is the fact the series will be played in the 'Death'dome in Minnesota. The Twins are the only team that have figured out how to play in that miserable excuse for a baseball stadium and the Sox have definitely experienced their fair share of struggles up North.
Boom or bust. Success or failure. Win or lose.
This one will decide everything.
And now the Cubs.
5. Florida Marlins
Dolphin Stadium
August 15, 16, 17
The young and talented Marlins have had the Cubs number in recent years. Last year the Cubs went 0-6 against the Marlins, and split a four game set against them back in July.
And surprisingly the Marlins actually have a little life in the NL East, sitting only two games behind the division leading Phillies, and 1.5 games behind the second place Mets. This team is comprised of a bunch of fearless talents and the Cubs need to strike down that confidence early to keep their winning ways intact.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
Wrigley Field
August 28, 29, 30, 31
The Cubs are a sparkling 45-17 when playing at the 'Friendly Confines' and they'll need every advantage they can get against the Phillies.
Pound for pound, the Phillies have just as much star power up and down their lineup as the Cubs do.
Cole Hamels. Ryan Howard. Chase Utley. Jimmy Rollins.
If the Cubs can fend off the stellar pitching of Hamels, they can definitely get to this Phillies rotation. During this four game set, the Brew-Crew gets a day off on the 28th and then a three game series against the recently depleted Pittsburgh Pirates.
Very important series indeed.
3. Milwaukee Brewers
Wrigley Field
September 16, 17, 18
The Brewers are going to be out for some serious revenge after getting embarassed and completely outplayed on their home field at the end of July.
I personally tend to pick the team that has a chip on its shoulder, but after watching that four game series in which the Cubs absolutely dominated, part of me believes the Cubbies may have the mental edge in this matchup.
If the Cubs can make a statement in this series and take two or sweep the Brewers, it would put them in prime position to coast to an NL Central title.
2. New York Mets
Shea Stadium
September 22, 23, 24, 25
The second of two, four-game series against the class of the NL East, the Mets present an interesting challenge to the Cubs.
No doubt the Mets will be fighting for their playoff lives just as the Cubs may be and the fact this series will be played in the Big Apple could pay big dividends for the New Yorkers. The Cubs took two from the Mets in late April behind strong performances from Carlos Zambrano and Ted Lilly.
The Mets lineup is one that can score in bunches at any given time. Carlos Beltran, Jose Reyes, David Wright and Carlos Delgado provide enough pop to power this Mets offense and certainly keep many pitchers up late at night.
While the Cubs are traveling to New York, the Brewers again get a day off on the 22nd and then play the Pirates. This series is the last for both the Cubs and Brewers before they face one another in the finale of the season.
Which brings us to...
1. Milwaukee Brewers
Miller Park
September 26, 27, 28
Baseball rarely gets better than this.
Two outstanding baseball teams battling for a ticket to the playoffs. Actually, both of these teams will most likely make the playoffs, one of them being a Wild Card.
But it doesn't remove the fact that this may set up to be a series to remember for both ball clubs and can provide added momentum heading into the playoffs.
Either way it's going to be fun to watch and if you can't find something to enjoy about this series, regardless of what team you root for, I'm sorry to tell you that you my friend, are not a baseball fan.
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