NLDS Preview: Chicago Cubs vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

The Chicago Cubs' season has been one for the ages.  Leading the National League in All-Stars, and scoring more runs than anyone in Major League Baseball, this team has Cubs fans giddy.

Breaking News:  The Cubs have not won the World Series since 1908! 

Okay, so this is not news to well, anybody.  Everyone knows the Cubs are in a major drought that dates back to before the Titanic sank. 

Chicago, however, is not alone in their quest to overcome this 100 year slump. 

Of course, no team is battling such a longwait for a title, but the Milwaukee Brewers have yet to win a World Series in their franchises existance, and the Tampa Bay Rays are making their first ever post-season appearance.

To defy the odds, as every team must do, the Cubs need to win three out of five from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Since acquiring Manny Ramirez from the Red Sox back in July, the Dodgers have been one of baseball's hottest teams.  They overcame the Diamondbacks to take the NL West crown.  Joe Torre is no stranger to success, neither is the veteran outfielder Ramirez.  Behind this leadership, the Dodgers have a great shot, except for one thing standing in their way:  the Chicago Cubs.

After a slow start, the Cubs put together one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history.  Not one pitcher on the entire team eclipsed the double-digit loss mark, and every pitcher from the starting rotation turned in double-digit victory totals. 

Cubs starting pitchers have a combined record of 70-32, a .686 win percentage.  Seventeen game winners Ryan Dempster and Ted Lilly have been very pleasant surprises, Carlos Zambrano threw a no-hitter, Jason Marquis was powerful on both offense and defense, and Rich Harden was one of the best additions in the N.L.

Did I mention the Cubs lead the majors in runs scored?  Combine that excellent hitting with the previously discussed pitching and your team is set for a World Series run. 

Forget the curse, it's not real.  It may be a fun excuse, but the Cubs know it is a myth.  Overlooking the Dodgers is not something the Cubs will do, and with their stellar bullpen they should be able to keep Hollywood's finest in check. 

I think the Cubs will win this series in four games or less, moving on to face the winner of Philly and Milwaukee.

Game One will be Wednesday, October 1st at 5 P.M. CDT.

Derrek Lowe (14-11) vs. Ryan Dempster (17-6)