Chances of the Cubs winning the World Series?

[Zito is God]

After all these years do the Cubs actually have a chance? Or maybe they are *gulp* the front runners?

Analysis:

The Cubs hitting is holding up by the likes of Jim Edmonds' bat coming back to life out of nowhere after a 2 year hiatus. Theriot is a steady top of the line hitter who can get on base and steal bags consistently, Fukudome is slowly coming back to earth and really didn't deserve an all-star spot IMO. Soriano is as streaky as they come, but provides good pop once he comes back. Aramis and Derek Lee both can be counted on to provide steady dependable numbers all year.

The Cubs pitching seems to be a large question mark. With Zambrano's recent injury concerns, Harden's career injury concerns, and Dempster suddenly developing Cy Young stuff at the age of 32 (which seems unrealistic to be able to do for a full season, see Kyle Lohse), the staff is held together by duct tape IMO. Marquis is trash, Marshall needs to be given another opportunity to start as he seems to have the stuff to be a decent #4, better than Marquis by any means. The pen is streaky with Wood hyolding down the fort, Marmol all of a sudden exploding lately, and the combos of the likes of Lieber and Cotts as nothing more than average relievers providing the bridge to Wood.

Thoughts? Can the Cubs win with this? Will they even make the playoffs?

[mweir145]

It probably all depends on whether Rich Harden stays healthy. And I'm not sure the odds of that happening are very good at all.

[acsguitar]

Considering there are no super powers in the NL I think they can get there. However, it depends on who they play and where.

[AcidRock23]

Considering there are no super powers in the NL I think they can get there. However, it depends on who they play and where.

I'd have to say that puts it < 50% as they did not fare very well vs. the DRays. A lot of their guys were on fire to start the year off and have returned to earth. If the bats get hot again at the right time, and the pitching staff doesn't blow up, the Cubs could beat anyone. This is as good of a chance that they've had since I've been alive. Although I was only 2 in 1969...

[buffalobillsrul2002]

Considering there are no super powers in the NL I think they can get there. However, it depends on who they play and where.

Thanks Joe Morgan. Obviously who they play and where will have some effect on their chances to win the World Series.

However, I think they can do it. They are easily the superior team in the NL, if Harden is healthy. If not, then the Mets and Phillies are about even with them. I would say they are probably equal with the Red Sox, and a little ahead of the White Sox.

Because the playoffs are such a crapshoot, I'd say their odds of winning the World Seires are about 5:1 right now....

[T-fence92]

I give them:
45.5% to win the wild card.
33.3% to win the division.
25% to win the NLDS if they play the wild card/East winner.
65% to win the NLDS if they play the west winner.
14.35% to win the NLCS.
AND FINALLY
0% to win the World Series.

[RynMan]

They are solid. I'm biased, I like the Brewers still, but they are gonna need to catch lightning in a bottle after CC and Sheets though. If they make it to the playoffs, they will be tough in 5 games.

[T-fence92]

I too am a brewers fan(if you couldn't tell by my previous post) and think that they are better than the cubs, but cubs fans would say I'm just biased, so...

[zhutou]

lol i think it's pretty obvious the red sox will win it again this year if ortiz is healthy

[Relentless]

No specifically because their bullpen is not good enough. Marmol's recent struggles makes them look even more iffy. Also, there's a great chance that Harden will go down to the DL again before everything is said and done. If anything, that other Chicago team has the better chance of winning it all.