Generally speaking when a team kneecaps another team the way the Cubs have done to the Reds the past two nights, it has lingering effects on the loser’s pitching staff. And while a couple Reds took one for the team, both losses will impact an already weak staff. The Cubs should be the beneficiary in tonight’s game, but there is no guarantee. Likely, the Reds next opponent, the Nats will benefit from the Cubs outburst.

What happens in one series with one team, usually has little effect on upcoming series with different opponents. However, the Cubs are one confidant bunch right now. That the Braves are exponentially better in all aspects of the game than the Reds, may not matter. Not only are the Cubs feeling better, their fans will be out of their minds this weekend when Atlanta comes to Wrigley.

Whether the Cubs admit to it, they’ll be using the Braves series as a litmus test. It shows to go that the Reds may have been part of the soft schedule that included the White Sox and Cardinals or maybe the Cubs series was a mere blip on the Reds radar.

Most real baseball fans appreciate the ebbs and flows of a 162-game schedule even if it means some sleepless nights. I prefer a little less stress in my life, but love the daily aspect.

You don’t get any of this with football.