White Sox, Danks Win Game 1 of Crosstown Classic; Floyd-Zambrano Battle Today

White Sox - Cubs Game 2 Preview" width="200" height="200" />I was sorely disappointed that the first game of the Chicago Cross-town Classic was rained out on Tuesday. The weather should really be the least of the concerns for both White Sox and Cubs fans. Here are two teams meeting this week that only one year ago were in quite different situations. Today they both sit in the middle of their divisions and both teams have similar concerns, with pitching and hitting at the topping of their respective wish lists for improvement.

In yesterday’s game the White Sox went back to what helped them get to the World Series in ’05. The played small ball, which is traditionally known to be a National League style of play. John Danks provided a solid pitching performance and kept the Cubs bats silent. Of course, the White Sox bats helped with solid hits and early run production. Alexei Ramirez and Scott Podsednik provided hits at the right time.

It would be nice to see the Sox take the next two games at Wrigley so maybe it will quiet down those on the North side. Of course the rumor mill from the Cubs camp has talks of Pedro coming to them. That should provide enough distraction for them to continue their slump.

On a personal note. I am pleased to watch the Cubs struggle. Hailing from a family of Cub fans it is nice to see them back to their form as the “lovable losers”.

Remember, good guys wear black.

Go Sox!

Here are the particulars for today’s game:

• First pitch: 1:20 CDT
• TV: CSN and WGN
• Location: Wrigley Field
• Pitching Matchup: Gavin Floyd (4-5) v Carlos Zambrano (4-2)