The Sox are beginning their annual series against the Cubs. Call it what you will: “Crosstown Classic,” “Red-line Series,” “An Excuse to Get Liquored Up and Start Fights with Cubs Fans…” Whatever the name, it’s an exciting time for Chicago baseball.

However, I sense a sea change in attitudes regarding the series this year. It seems, although maybe I’m way off, that it doesn’t mean as much as it used to. I remember before ‘05, the Cubs series was the biggest of the year for many Sox fans. Since then, I’d like to think we’ve found newfound perspective on the matter. Beating the Cubs it’s nice, but bringing home a ring is much better.

Even more recently, I think I’ve noticed Cubs fans taking a more measured approach to the series as well. They don’t have rings, but they’ve been competitive for a few years running. They’ve made the playoffs and, finding early exits at every turn, seem to have their sights set solely on “the big one” or nothing at all.

Team/Player Photos: Chicago White Sox v New York Yankees on Apr 30, 2010

Again, the series is always fun. It a playoff atmosphere, and the winner definitely gets some bragging rights, but I think our teams (and its fans) have matured a bit. I guarantee some fistfights by the less intelligent members of the crowd, definitely some booing, and probably some rougher play than usual. But I don’t think winning the crosstown series is going to be “enough” if either of these teams misses the playoffs this year.

So my only words to you are: enjoy it, have fun, rub it in to the guy in the cubicle next to you… but keep some perspective. We tend to lose it too easily sometimes.