Chicago Cubs: With Anthony Rizzo activated, team welcomes in Cardinals

Prediction: Cubs split two-game set

While I’m not crazy about what Chatwood brings to the mound in the opener, I’m even less confident in Adam Wainwright’s declining stuff. I think the offense finds a way to get it done and they run into at least a couple homers on what will likely be another blustery day in Chicago.

As for the second game, I can’t in good conscience go with Chicago. Jon Lester has been largely ineffective in two of his three starts this year, while his counterpart, Weaver, looks absolutely dominant. Pair that with the Cubs’ offensive woes and the Cardinals’ league-leading bats?

I’m no fool.

Next: Weather has not been kind to the Cubs

Still, as we’ve learned, anything can happen in these series. Both clubs always seem to elevate their game when this rivalry surfaces – and I expect more of the same this week at the Friendly Confines.