For the last few days I’ve heard several radio ads for the upcoming Cubs-Dodgers season in Los Angeles and on the Marquee Network. The ad highlights Cody Bellinger’s return to L.A. I’m certain this means more to Bellinger than everyone else on the team, but I don’t know if the story weighs heavily on the minds of Cub fans.

I’m also curious as to the Dodger fans’ interest in seeing Bellinger return. I have no idea if the Dodgers have a history of honoring former players when they return. I don’t know how the general Dodgers populace feels about him or how he performed since he won the MVP award.

Closer to home, but not my heart, the Orioles come to town to face the White Sox in a three-game series at Guaranteed Rate. While I’m not going to any of the games, I’m probably focusing on the 40th anniversary of the Orioles most recent WS title and that they beat the Sox in the ALCS.

I know several Sox fans that are looking forward to seeing the new-look Orioles and their young talent. I don’t think they care about 1983 at this point although a few of them witnessed that particular team. After last season’s surprise showing, Baltimore is one of those teams that plays the game the right way. I’m not sure 30,000 Sox fans are motivated by this. Other than the catcher, Adley Rutschman, their roster isn’t stocked with well known stars or heels. If the Sox can beat Baltimore at their own game, Sox fans will walk away happy.

Conversely, Bellinger can exact his revenge on the Dodgers without the Cubs winning. Has anyone on the north side become that enamored with Bellinger that his success can supersede the Cubs?

Given the third choice, of watching the Rays attempt to win their record-breaking 14th consecutive game, I think most baseball fans would opt for this.