By Nick Konotopskyj
Assistant Sports Editor
One hundred seven years and counting.
From the “curse of the billy goat” to Steve Bartman’s infamous play in the 2003 National League Championship Series, the Chicago Cubs have been the lovable losers of Major League Baseball for the last century.
The last time Chicago made the postseason was in 2008 when they were swept by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Divisional Series. The Cubs have failed to post a record of .500 or better since, but this season brings a new sense of optimism to the north side of Chicago.
Theo Epstein, President of Baseball Operations, has quickly built a strong core of young talent in his short time with the Cubs. There have been several big splashes made by the team, none bigger than manager Joe Maddon and ace pitcher Jon Lester.
Maddon, the former manager of the Tampa Bay Rays, was responsible for the huge turn-around of that franchise in his eight seasons there. The Rays went from being one of the worst franchises in the league to making the World Series in 2008 and consistently competing for their division. Epstein is hoping that Maddon can do the same in the Windy City.
As for Lester, the Cubs picked him up in free agency this offseason, signing him to a six-year, $155 million contract. His average annual value is the largest contract ever issued on a multiyear deal to a pitcher in MLB history, according to ESPN.com. Lester brings postseason experience to a staff full of young pitchers both in the rotation and the bullpen. Some other offseason acquisitions overshadowed by Maddon and Lester were the signings of catcher Miguel Montero and center fielder Dexter Fowler. Both players bring a veteran presence to a young, talented starting line-up.
The Cubs were picked by ESPN to finish third out of five teams in their division (NL Central) behind the Cardinals and Pirates going into this season. Coming off of a 73-89, last-place finish in 2014, the Cubs finally have a realistic chance at finishing above .500 and competing for a playoff spot in the National League.
Their chances improved this week with the addition of the team’s top two prospects, Kris Bryant and Addison Russell. Bryant, the team’s top prospect, plays third base and played for the AAA affiliate Iowa last season. With the Cubs this spring training, Bryant had a batting average over .400 and led the league with nine home runs.
Russell came over to the Cubs as a part of a trade from last year that sent pitchers Jason Hammel and Jeff Samardzija to Oakland. Russell made his first start on Tuesday and played at second base. The Chicago infield, which includes Bryant, Russell, Starlin Castro, and fellow All-Star Anthony Rizzo, is all 25 years old or younger.
Right fielder Jorge Soler is another top prospect that was called up to the big leagues at the end of last year. He currently bats second in the line-up and brings power to an already potent offense.
Offensive production has been Chicago’s biggest problem in the last six losing seasons for the ball club, so addressing that this offseason really improves its chances moving forward.
As for the pitching, the front end of the rotation is very strong with Lester and Jake Arrieta, but the back end is very inexperienced and could be the weakness of the ball club. The bullpen put up great numbers in 2014 and they have gotten off to a great start this year.
Cubs fans are some of the most loyal and passionate fans in baseball who have been hungry for a relevant team for quite some time. Whether the Cubs make the 2015 postseason or not, the mood surrounding the organization has certainly changed.
Is this the year the curse gets lifted? Well, just remember….”Back to the Future Part II,” predicted that the Cubs would win the World Series in 2015.
