When last year’s Cubs-Sox series rolled around, some dubbed it THE MOST IMPORTANT series ever. Both teams were in first place and the hype was out of control for a series in June. ESPN even dedicated their top story of the day to it. Fancy that.

This year there is decidedly less fervor, though fervor certainly still exists.

But, I’ll argue this year’s matchup is of far more importance than last’s. And that’s because both these teams aren’t doing so hot this year. No longer can either fanbase claim: “Well, we may have lost the series, but if we continue to play well, we’re playoff bound.” Or “We have bigger things to worry about than two meaningless three-game sets in June. See you in October.”

This year if the Sox lose, they will suck and have lost to their crosstown rivals.This year if the Cubs lose, they will be mediocre and have lost to the Sox.

There is no crutch of bigger and better things this year to fall back on — no saving grace if these games don’t turn out well for the squad of your choice. There is only the crippling thought of your Cubs or Sox fan friends rubbing it in more.

Bastards.