[wheels]

Cubs fans used to elicit no more than an eye roll from me. I guess growing up in Columbus Ohio, and seeing how Buckeyes fans act, nothing less than full armageddon would shock me.

Then, there was the day Junior blew out his shoulder in an attempt to make a diving catch. Cubs fans in right center field were all standing and taunting in unison, calling Junior every name in the book. That day was a real eye opener, and every time I was at Reds-Cubs game, I started to really notice how vile, and boorish they would act.

I've sat around Cards fans numerous times, even during the McGwire push, and it was always enjoyable. They seem to respect the park they're in, and often times I've placed friendly beer bets with them, and exchanged light hearted barbs.

Contrasting the two, it's easy for me to root against the stinking Cubs when they play the Cardinals.

Simply put, their fans don't deserve a winner, and if you believe in karma, you're seeing a mighty fine example of it on the corner of Waveland and Sheffield.

So to answer the question more succinctly M2....It's the fans, it's the fans, it's the fans.

No need to really look further than that.

Oh, yeah, and Ron Santo.