Cubs in the playoffs in 2015

[Iowanic]

I love to read threads like this now...

[FrenchyLefebvre]

Just wanted to bump this. Here they are mid-September and only three teams in all of MLB have a better winning %.
Since it's an odd year, won't bet on the 7&1/2 games-behind Giants being so resilient. Was at the PHL/CHC game today and was watching the scoreboard (Cin & MIL) more than the game in front of me! Thankfully, worrying about weaker teams being spoilers won't be a factor this coming week -- it's in 'your' hands. So, GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!! I probably won't care about the World Series this much (unless, of course... )

[The Uncoach]

Yeah. It's sort of being in the hunt for the second WC spot but not quite getting there. That sounds about right.

[Iowanic]

I got the cubs penciled in at 80 wins this season. That's not playoff contention but I think 2016 they should have a shot at it.

[Danielh41]

According to Back to the Future Part II, the Cubs are supposed to win the World Series in 2015 after pre-season odds of 100 to 1. Not sure how they are going to play Miami in the Series though...

[Cap78]

if the cubs really get lester and another mid Rotation starter I think they can win a WC.

That would be rather surprising to me...this young team needs to adjust to the bigs first, imho...I view them like the royals, a few years ago...may take some time...but, I sure hope you are right

[dominik]

if the cubs really get lester and another mid Rotation starter I think they can win a WC.

[Cap78]

I will estimate it will be another 1-2 years before they are ready to compete at a playoff level...Baez is the biggest wildcard to me...he has tremendous power, but his all or absolute nothing ability may be a huge problem that could be unfixable at this point...not sure if the team wants to spend a ton at this point on guys if the team may not be ready yet...big time free agents may not wish to come quite yet with a team that is not quite there

[Ubiquitous]

In order to compete next year a lot of things have to go right for the Cubs this offseason and during the season. Arrieta, Hendricks, and Wada have to basically do what they did this year for an entire season. Bryant has to step right in and be a fringe all-star candidate. Rizzo has to be a monster with the bat again. The youngsters like Soler and Baez have to take a step forward be as good as a major league starter, and the Cubs need to sign a big FA pitcher that lives up to the hype and pay.

The talent that is currently on the team played well enough to win about 68 to 73 games a year in 2014. The youth and acquisitions have to improve by around 15 to 20 wins to contend for a spot. That's a tall order.

[The Uncoach]

There run differential was atrocious during that nice little stretch of theirs. Right now I'd say that calling them a 73 win team for 2015 is reasonable.

They were a 73 win team in 2014. They didn't hire Maddon to win 73 again in 2015. They will compete for the second Wild Card spot, imho. Note: I didn't say they would get it, but I think that would be a nice goal for next season with Bryant coming up after April and the other young talent developing. The question will be who they pick up via FA.

[chicagowhitesox1173]

There run differential was atrocious during that nice little stretch of theirs. Right now I'd say that calling them a 73 win team for 2015 is reasonable.

They won 73 games in 2014, I find it hard to believe that they wont improve on that. A lot of their success in 2015 will depend on who they target in the winter meetings. If they do make a big splash, then that type of momentum will deff carry over into 2015. Plus we have all seen sub 500 teams who pick up key pieces do very well the next year. I don't think these Cubs are the Cubs of years past either and I don't see Joe Madden playing for next year. The Cubs already have a good core of players who are probably tired of playing for next year too.

[Ubiquitous]

There run differential was atrocious during that nice little stretch of theirs. Right now I'd say that calling them a 73 win team for 2015 is reasonable.

[chicagowhitesox1173]

I think the Cubs played close to 500 ball after the All-star break. Had they not gone on a 7 or 8 game losing streak in September, they would have been one of the top teams--post allstar break. That's why I think if they land a ace pitcher, that they could be a tough team to beat. I seriously doubt they got Joe Madden for player development. It's not like the Cardinals are getting any younger and although I still believe the Cardinals are a good team, the Cubs could possibly be better. I just don't see the Brewers or Cardinals pushing this Cubs team around anymore, especially if they land Lester or Shields. It may seem early that the Cubs would be considered contenders but these kids are ready to win now and they will not play another season for next year.

[gman5431]

It will be interesting what they do in the offseason. If they go out and land a big name starter, they could be the team to beat in the Central.

Easy now. I think they'll be better in 2015, but i'm not sure they're ready to jump up to "the team to beat." The Cardinals are the Cardinals. The Pirates have made the playoffs two years running. The Brewers were in first place most of the season. The Reds under performed but have the core together to be competitive at least one more year. I think the Cubs will be better, but the team to beat... even if they land a James Shields or a Jon Lester.... not just yet.

G Man

[chicagowhitesox1173]

Cubs are getting close. Landed Maddon today. But they are still at least a year away from competing for the playoffs. They are in a tough division too.

G Man

It will be interesting what they do in the offseason. If they go out and land a big name starter, they could be the team to beat in the Central.