Cubs fans have been waiting for 108 years (my great grandparents were not even born yet!), but Chicago can finally rejoice because the best team in baseball this season has what it takes to win the World Series this year! Here is why:
1. The Cubs have the best pitching rotation in the league.
The starting pitching rotation of Jake Arrieta (pictured above), Jon Lester, John Lackey, Kyle Hendricks, and Jason Hammel has among the lowest ERA in baseball and four of their five starters are double digits in the win column. The acquisition of closer Aroldis Chapman provided a definite boost to the bullpen as well.
2. Joe Maddon is one cool, successful manager.
Before taking the managing job for the Cubs in 2015, Maddon managed the Tampa Bay Rays from 2006 to 2014, which included an appearance in the 2008 World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. He led the Cubs to 97 regular season wins last season and the team should win over 100 games before postseason begins. "If you look hot, wear it." "Try not to suck."
3. Kris Bryant...need I say more?
In just his second year in professional baseball, Kris Bryant has shattered expectations and has become one of the best players in the MLB. With 37 home runs and 95 RBIs this season (as of the time this article is being written), he is one of the favorites to win the National League MVP award and is a prime driver of the Cubs offense.
4. I know it's an even year, but the Giants will not find much postseason success.
I will make this short and sweet. The Giants won it all in 2010, 2012, and 2014. They will not win it all this year because it is not even certain if they will even make the playoffs. It is an even year, but do not put your money on the Giants.
5. All of Chicago supports the team (except for White Sox fans).
Chicago Cubs fans and the city of Chicago itself are perhaps the most loyal fans in the history of professional sports. In the present day of bandwagon support, Cubs fans have endured it all: losing seasons, heartbreaking losses, and limited postseason success. In 2016, the Cubs have the greatest chance to make their fans and their city extremely happy by winning a championship. White Sox fans, please wait your turn for a shot at another World Series.
6. Theo Epstein has the magic touch.
As the President of Baseball Operations for the Cubs, Theo Epstein played a pivotal role in transforming the roster of the team into a title contender. With the previous offseason acquisitions of Jason Heyward, Ben Zobrist, and John Lackey, the Chicago Cubs are poised to win their division and clinch the best record in baseball before the postseason. And remember, Epstein was the general manager of the Boston Red Sox when the team won the World Series in 2004, which broke the Curse of the Bambino. Is this the year the Curse of the Billy Goat will be broken? Sure looks like it!
7. There is no ballpark like Wrigley Field.
Best baseball stadium ever! A slice of Heaven on Earth. Enough said.
8. The Cubs can score a lot of runs!
The Cubs rank third in the MLB in total runs scored with 731 and have the best run differential with +234 (as of the time this article is being written). If statistics like those carry over into the playoffs, the Cubs should be an excellent pick to win the World Series!
9. The Back to the Future prediction would only be one year off.
Back to the Future, Part II predicted that the Cubs would sweep Miami in the World Series in 2015. The Mets determined that it would not be. Also, the Miami Marlins are in the National League, so it would have been impossible for the Cubs to play Miami in the World Series. Back to the Future and Maury aside, just being a year off from predicting a Cubs championship is not too shabby!
10. This is not the old "maybe next year" Cubs people are used to watching.
The team surpassed expectations last season by advancing to the NLCS before being swept by the New York Mets. The Cubs have met expectations this year and they have the power and spped to win the World Series! Hey, Chicago, what do you say? The Cubs are gonna win today! Go, Cubs, go! And in the immortal words of Harry Caray:
