Another edition of one of the oldest and best sports rivalries is set to go this weekend. The Cubs will host the Cardinals for four games over three days. How can we remind the Cubs of the importance of this game, given the standings and being the last series before the All-Star Break? I have a few ideas.

1. Host the Cardinals like Tiger Woods hosts a golf tournament. Woods hosted the AT&T Something Or Another in D.C. over the 4th of July weekend. After four rounds, Woods came out on top, and not just in the tournament. TIger found himself back on top of the PGA Tour money list and FedEx Cup points list. Perhaps the Cubs can find themselves above the Cardinals in the standings when the second game on Sunday draws to a close. Yes, the Cubs and Cards will play 36 holes on Sunday.
2. Play like it’s the last two minutes of the first half of a basketball game. Tighten up the defense and go on a quick run. Cut that deficit, or eliminate it, before half-time. Make sure your best shooters are on the court (Rich Harden, Ted Lilly, Randy Wells and Carlos Zambrano will get the starts) and make sure you remember how many fouls you can give, how many time-outs you can take and keep an eye on the shot clock. I’m looking at you, Milton Bradley.
3. It’s almost half-time and you haven’t been able to throw or run the ball at all. Before going into the locker room and tweaking the game plan, try not to get anyone hurt and don’t commit any turnovers. Football’s just a game, but baseball is life. So relax a little and pretend it’s a game. Just make sure you win.
4. Is this car fast enough to win? A few more qualifying laps to go, and being at the pole doesn’t mean you have the best car. And falling short doesn’t mean you don’t, either. But we should see what this sucker’s got in it before our last shot at replacing some parts.
5. If nothing is done about these maple brooms, someone will die while curling. Then what?
6. I respect hockey too much to make up a bad metaphor. I will point out this Cubs organ-I-zation is badly in need of improved Oh-fense. And more beards, less teeth.
7. Bird hunting is a noble sport. Enjoy.