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It’s game on on the North Side, game over on the South Side.

Yes, it’s taken me a while to come to this point. Hey, it’s not my fault. The Cubs have been so unwatchable for what, six years? No one can blame me for asking, “Hey, is it safe to go back in the water?”

It is safe, but you have to wear water wings. Or as I call them “shoulder thingies.”

Look, I’ll be honest. I am still not ready to make an emotional commitment to the Cubs. I’m still celebrating the Blackhawks and haven’t made room yet. They’re a year ahead of schedule.

But they’re here. Man, they’re here.

Reason to celebrate: Joe Maddon had the you-know-whats to bench Starlin Castro. Dear Starlin, have you considered becoming a catcher?

Reason to wait: I don’t understand math. The Cubs have the fourth-best record in baseball, but they’re the third-best team in their division. I have a headache. Does sabermetrics explain this?

Reason to celebrate: The rookies are amazing. Jorge Soler, Kyle Schwarber, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell were awesome against San Francisco, the defending World Series champs.

Reason to wait: I’m not nuts about the bullpen. Plus, you know, St. Louis. Ugh. Nothing changes.

And that means the South Side too. They did it again. They went on a nice run, sucked me back in and tanked against good teams. I’m a sucker! Robin Ventura and Don Cooper, all I’m asking is that you both resign.

Oh, and here’s a trade idea. Jeff Samardzija used to play wide receiver at Notre Dame. The Bears need a receiver because Kevin White is injured. So, Shark to the Bears for future considerations.

Nice transition to the Bears, it’s football season!

Hey, it’s the return of the “No Fun League.” Apparently the Bears are trying to “control the message” and failing miserably. Ridiculous rules limiting reporters’ access to players. Not sure if this is John Fox or not. But if it is, he should have learned one thing over his years in the NFL: Chicagoans take their football very, very seriously.

And good luck controlling that message.

LAST TIME YOU SAW THEM …

Things have changed for the better for the Cubs since the last time they clashed with the Sox, just before the All-Star break. Thanks in part to terrific pitching, the North Siders have increased their lead in the wild-card race since mid-July. As for the Sox, they’re still struggling to reach the .500 mark.

Cubs at All-Star break: 47-40, 1-game lead in wild-card race

Cubs now: 64-48, 4.5-game lead in wild-card race

Sox at All-Star break: 41-45, 5.5 games back of wild-card spot

Sox now: 54-58, 4.5 games back of wild-card spot

(records entering Thursday)

CROSSTOWN CUP: Cubs at White Sox

Friday: 3:10 p.m., CSN (Cubs broadcast) and WGN (Sox)

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Saturday: 6:10 p.m., ABC-7 (Cubs) and CSN (Sox)

Sunday: 1:10 p.m., CSN (Cubs) and WGN (Sox)

Bag Boy is a Redeye special contributor.

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