Why the Cubs WILL Win the World Series This October

I know I'm supposed to blog about the Jacksonville Jaguars, but I couldn't resist on this one. 

Admit it, though: Most of you laughed when you read this title. In fact, I laughed when Ryan Dempster predicted a World Series win at the beginning of the year. Well, I assure you, he has made me a believer. 

Why will it happen? It has nothing to do with any goats or curses, or even 100 years for that matter. It has to do with the pieces. Of the puzzle that is.

Even after losing their third straight game today, the Cubs have it all: speed, good starting and bullpen pitching from both sides, good defense, power hitting, hitters for average, and bench production. The thing is, none of them are having an MVP-type year or even serious Cy Young contention. But they all just go out and play their role perfectly. Frankly, they remind me of the 2003 Marlins team or the 2005 White Sox, except this Cubs' team is better (and has a higher payroll).

Teams will only go as far as their pitching, and even with the disappointment of Rich Hill's season, the Cubs have what it takes with the rotation of Carlos Zambrano (13-5, 3.53 ERA), Ryan Dempster (15-5, 2.95), Rich Harden (9-2), and Ted Lilly (13-8). Jason Marquis has been adequate throughout the year, and Sean Marshall has given them some solid starts, either of which could give them quality innings early if needed in the playoffs (assuming the Cubs don't choke!). The bullpen is solid with righty fireballers Carlos Marmol, Jaff Samardzija, Chad Gaudin, and Bob Howry, as well as lefty Neal Cotts, and Kerry Wood nailing down games as a closer (28 saves in 33 chances). His stuff is still sick. Truth be told, Howry, Cotts, and Gaudin have had their share of struggles lately, but they have been good enough, and more help in this department could be on its way if Michael Wuertz, Jon Lieber, Kevin Hart, or Angel Guzman got in a groove as a late season call-up. 

Defensively, the Cubs have been good with Aramis Ramirez much improved at third base, and Alfonso Soriono as the only real weak point in that tricky Wrigley corner outfield position (Fukedome has been brilliant at the other one). Soriano can easily be lifted late in a game with a lead though, as the Cubs have Reed Johnson and Mark DeRosa who can both play solid outfield defense. In centerfield, Jim Edmonds has made a nice rebound in his career and his playing well on both sides and is one of the six Cubs starters with at least 15 HR's on a team that doesn't depend on the long ball. RF Fukedome got off to a great start, then really struggled (offensively at least), and now seems to have found it again at least to some degree after an adjustment Lou Piniella and he made. 

In the infield, the Cubs have the always-productive Lee (.293, 18 HRs) at first, the clutch-hitting Ramirez at third (.280, 24 HRs), the pesky Ryan Theriot at short (.311) and the League's most versatile player, DeRosa (.293, 18 HRs) at second. Geovany Soto (.291, 20 HRs) has been nothing short of brilliant behind the plate and should win Rookie-of-the-Year. 

Soriano, Theriot, Fukebome, and a few players off the bench can run. Hitting off the bench? How about Mike Fontenot (.292, 9 HRs), Johnson (.308, 6 HRs), Ronny Cedeno (.272), Henry Blanco (.284), and Micah Hoffpauir (.378)? Not to mention Carlos Zambrano at .365. 

So there you have it: the pieces of the puzzle. But will they keep it up? I think so.

THIS IS THE YEAR.