Just The Facts: Why The Cubs Are The Team to Beat in The National League

100 seems to be the number to remember in Chicagoland these days. It's been 100 years since the Cubs have won it all. For the first time since 1935, a 100-win season seems to be within reach. A feared offensive lineup is capable of seeing a possible four players with 100 RBI.

The Cubs have held a lead in the major's best division since the middle of May, and they have only had one losing streak longer than three games all season (four games). They have beat up on nearly every team they have faced.

They have winning or .500 season records against every team they have faced, excluding the Rays (0-3), Orioles (1-2), Astros (6-7) and Phillies (3-4).

The Cubs have, to put it simply, no real holes. Let's examine the team, part by part.

Starting Rotation

By adding Rich Harden, the Cubs now have, arguably, the best one-two punch in the NL (Harden-Zambrano). Interestingly, converted closer Ryan Dempster may have a better chance at the NL Cy Young than either of them. 

When you add in Ted Lilly, the playoff rotation of Harden-Dempster-Zambrano-Lilly is the most feared of any in the majors. Fifth starter Jason Marquis has pitched admirably, but he will most likely be left off the postseason roster for the second-straight season.

Bullpen

When rookie hurler Jeff Samardzija was called up in late July, he was expected to be put in relaxed situations and get experience for next season. Since then, he has become one of manager Lou Pinella's favorite arms, getting out of jams, striking out feared hitters, posting an ERA around one, and quickly becoming a fan favorite.

With Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood anchoring the eighth and ninth innings, late-inning comebacks for opposing teams are next to impossible.

Lineup

One through eight, the Cubs' offense has no easy outs. Even the pitchers can hit. Mark DeRosa, Geovany Soto, and Ryan Theriot have each occupied the eighth spot in the lineup this season. On other teams, all three of them could bat in the top half of the order.

Aramis Ramirez has been clutch all season. Alfonso Soriano has carried the team by himself at times; and the duo of Jim Edmonds and Reed Johnson have put up great numbers in limited playing time.

Bench

Even the players that don't play everyday have done a great job. Backup catcher Henry Blanco has had a few game-winning hits. Mike Fontenot and Ronny Cedeno could start on other teams, and Daryle Ward has gotten hot late in the season.

The No. 1 reason that the Cubs are the team to beat?  D-E-S-T-I-N-Y.

The Cubs, over the course of their storied history, have always had great stories. Whether or not you believe in curses, nothing would make a better story than the Cubs finally winning on the 100th anniversary of their last World Series title.

If you have been to a game at Wrigley this season, and compared it to previous seasons, something is different. The aura that surrounds Wrigley Field this season is like nothing I have felt before. The fans know that this team is special. They know that on any given day, the Cubs can win. The cheers are louder, the chants are more common, and every win feels like that World Series championship gets closer and closer.

It's been said before, but this season it just might be true—next year is here.