I'm sure most of my readers who deeply love their Cardinals are grinning ear to ear to see their rival team come crashing down. But from the other side of the fence it was deeply excruciating.

Last week I wrote about when the Cubs played the Diamondbacks last year. In what would later become prophetic, I wrote about worrying that I would be in the same boat this year: found wanting due to a sweep. And boy was I right!

I wasted three nights of good sleep watching my Cubbies, hoping for that pinnacle moment when they would turn it around. But I'll have to admit that watching the Dodgers demolish my team created a scar that will last for quite some time.

Although I still love my Cubs, I'll have to admit that this was some the worst playing I've endured in quite some time. Lots of walks. Lots of errors. Lots of ground outs. It was some of the worst baseball in a while.

I often tell my co-worker, Dan that to be a Cubs fan requires a form of masochism. Masochists purposely inflict pain upon themselves. That's what it means to be a Cubs fan. You know it's going to hurt, yet you continue on.

Although the Dodgers performed a major upset in sweeping Chicago, there's still hope. Maybe we'll catch them next year. Until Jesus returns there's always a next year.

It's been a hundred years since the Cubs have experienced World Series glory. As they whiffed, missed balls and botched opportunities, you almost could feel the weight on their shoulders. Although I'm upset at they're playing, honestly I couldn't have done any better and once baseball returns in 2009 the slate will be wiped clean and once again optimism will culminate as fans enter Wrigley Field.

The Red Sox faced similar circumstances, but if you haven't noticed since they won the World Series several years ago they are now deemed a winning team. Their attitude is one of expectancy, not hopefulness. Once the Cubs secure a championship the same will be true for them.

So here's to next season.