When the first pitch is thrown Monday night at Busch Stadium, all the predicitions get thrown out the window.
All the shots fired in media interviews and public appearances will become an afterthought.
A new chapter is ready to begin in the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry.
Joe Maddon attacking "The Cardinal Way" in the Wrigley Field dungeon is so last year. As are the 19 regular season matchups and four-game National League Division Series.
The fallout from the Jason Heyward signing is last winter's story.
All that remains are the memories, but it's now time to forge a new path.