Chicago Cubs Can Compete for the 2013 World Series If Everything Goes Right

Yes, everything.  That’s new additions, prospects and 2013 free agency.  In a best case scenario, the Chicago Cubs could compete for a World Series.

Of course, the “best case scenario” never happens.  Just ask Cubs fans, we’ve been missing out on the best case scenario since 1908.  But, in the spirit of eternal Cubs optimism, let’s break down what that best case scenario would look like for this season and beyond.

First, the end of 2012 free agency.  The Cubs manage to sign prospect outfielder Jorge Soler, which is actually expected.  He proves his talent, rises far faster than most projections, and is ready to start in right field in 2013.  He is well on his way to becoming the next Mike Stanton and Chicago’s new middle of the order power hitter. 

Second, the infield.  Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs first base prospect, rakes in Triple A to become the Cubs’ starter by July.  He then hits close to .280 with 15-plus homers and ensconces himself as the team’s first basemen of the future.  Ian Stewart shows that 2011 was a fluke and hits for power and decent average. 

Josh Vitters, the Cubs’ longtime top third base prospect, continues his impressive 2011 minor league performance and dominates in Triple A with a .280 average, 20-plus home runs and a strong on-base percentage. 

The Cubs make him their new starting third baseman late in the season, move Stewart to second and make Darwin Barney an excellent utility player.  And, of course, Starlin Castro continues his rise to super-stardom.

Angels in the outfield: Brett Jackson, the Cubs’ center field prospect, lives up to the hype and takes over the position in July.  He proves himself to be a 20-20 threat and middle of the order hitter and cuts down on his strikeouts. 

Matt Szcur, Chicago’s wildly talented but raw outfield prospect, rapidly combines his tools with new baseball skills and is ready to man left field in 2013.  Soler continues his progress and projects as the team’s long-term power right fielder. 

Matt Garza cements himself as Chicago’s No. 2 starter.  The Cubs’ new pitching prospect, Gerardo Concepcion, rises more quickly than expected and becomes the opening day 2013 No. 5 starter.  Chicago uses its free agency money to add both Cole Hamels and Matt Cain, the top 2013 free agency starters.  Ryan Dempster signs for less money and Trey McNutt enters the rotation to create one of the best pitching groups in all of baseball.  

So, Chicago ends up with a 2013 lineup of Castro-Rizzo-Soler-Jackson-Vitters-Stewart-Soto, which is young but very, very potent.  And the Cubs' pitching rotation of Cain-Hamels-Garza-Dempster-McNutt-Concepcion makes them a true contender.

Far-fetched?  Sure.  Not all of the Cubs’ players will work out.  But some will and Chicago is on the right track.

Plus, this is sports.  It’s fun to dream.  Isn’t that what the off-season is for?