Make That Las Vegas Bet Today - The Chicago Cubs Will Win the World Series in 2008!

Can you imagine how long ago 1908 is? At thatissues that still register some concerns. Only four
time, federal spending amounted to $0.66 billionteams have blown more saves, and Kerry
and unemployment stood at 8.0%. The cost of aWood's health will be a concern through the end.
first-class stamp was $0.02. In 1908, the ChicagoBut since Wood began suffering from a blister
Cubs did not even have a home yet at Wrigleyproblem, the Cubs have the lowest bullpen ERA in
Field. They played the 1908 World Series at Westthe NL. Carlos Marmol has rediscovered his 98
Side Park which was located on a small blockmph magic, and the Cubs have gotten a gift from
bounded by Congress, Loomis, Harrison andthe baseball gods in 23-year-old Jeff Samardzija.
Throop Streets. Better yet, the Cubs at that timeSo even with Wood hurting, the Cubs still have a
even had a different name. They were thendeep, talented bullpen. The Cardinals and Brewers
known as the White Stockings. However, thatalso have bullpen issues, but they don't have as
was then and this is now and 2008 is shaping upmany good arms as the Cubs.
to be a historical ride in the baseball world. As ofThe final push over the finish line will be provided
this writing, the Cubs are 76-48 with a 5 gameby the often maligned and much misunderstood
lead over Milwaukee. From June 2nd, 2007manager Sweet Lou. Lou has one World Series
through June 16th, 2008, the Cubs have posted awin already and also 4 prior Divisional Titles under
record of 108-71 (.603 winning percentage). This ishis belt. Known for his often aggressive and
the best record in baseball over that span.sometimes explosive behavior, Lou has the
In 2008, the Cubs lead in most major leagueclubhouse in order and a deep understanding of
baseball statistics. The Cubs are first in the NL inwhat buttons to press and when. Seasoned
runs. Their rotation has the best ERA in theleadership can never be discounted. Lou has been
league. They're 44-17 at Wrigley Field, possessingin this position before. Remember, Lou played and
the best home record in the NL. And they havn'tmanaged in the Yankee zoo for eleven seasons.
been out of first place in 91 days. This team hasIn that time period, the bronx bombers won five
been expertly constructed. It has great leadershipAL East titles (1976-78, 1980 and 1981), four AL
in the clubhouse, a great manager in the dugout.pennants (1976-78 and 1981), and two World
General manager Jim Hendry is known in baseballSeries championships (1977-78). After center
circles as a player development guy. He believesfielder Mickey Rivers was traded, during the 1979
good franchises are built through the draft,season, Piniella became the Yankee leadoff hitter.
through instruction. On July 26, the Brewers andOne of the more underrated players of the 1970s
Cubs were tied for first in the division, and the(he made just one all star team), he compiled
momentum seemed to be in Milwaukee's favor.1705 lifetime hits despite not playing full time for
Then, the Cubs did what good teams do. Theyjust under half of his career. This man is a winner
made a statement. Actually, they made four ofand has transformed the lovable losers of
them in sweeping a series at Miller Park. Now,yesteryear into a cool, efficient club with quite a
their four-game lead in the NL Central is theswagger.
second-largest in all of baseball. They're the firstReaching the World Series was always the first
NL club to reach 70 victories, and at a time whendream of any die hard Cubs fan. They will do that
the games mean the most, the Cubs have wonthis year. Maybe we can sneak in another little
10 of 13.dream and get to play the other Chicago team on
This team seems destined for bigger and betterthe south side. Go Cubbies!
postseason wins. Yes, they have some bullpen