I REMAIN GUARDEDLY OPTIMISTIC

Congratulations to the Cubbies. You've put on a good show beating those rascally Pirates three times of four. Let me raise my glass and salute your solid pitching and peachy offense. Here, here.

Do I seem a bit reserved? Like maybe I've retired from my senses and grown a wispy moustache? Well, I've been forced into it. You see, the "Superstition Bug" has hit (and early this season). As all baseball fans know in their secret hearts, our individual actions, no matter how small or how far away from the scene of the game, can in fact directly affect the outcome of said competition.

Fortunately, at this stage of the season, my "Superstition Bug" remains relatively tame (come September, it's very likely that I will have to listen to every game live, dressed in full Cubs uniform matching what is being worn on the field). You see, I've lately noticed that when I throw caution to the wind and cheer my Cubbies with wild abandon, they immediately start sucking it up. When I yell at them and curse a woeful losing streak or a propensity to let the other team bludgeon them to death, they get their act together and start to win.

So, being caught between what I want to say and what I shouldn't say, I will continue to admit that I am guardedly optimistic and will let Han Solo conclude with his thoughts on these recent victories:

Great kid! Don't get cocky.