Chicago Cubs: 5 Bold Predictions for the Cubs Offseason

Another season, another unsuccessful 162-game year. The Chicago Cubs will enter season No. 104 without a World Series title.

That drought will continue without some big changes. This offseason could be the spark to a Cubs transformation.

These are a few bold predictions that may happen before Opening Day 2012.

GM Theo Epstein

The Cubs are still looking for a replacement general manager. Several names are being tossed around, but current Red Sox manager Theo Epstein is a definite possibility.

After the Red Sox’s dismal 2011 season, Epstein could decide to get out of Boston and set a new goal of a successful 2012 Cubs postseason.

The Return of Ryne Sandberg

There may have been bad feelings between the Chicago Cubs and Ryne Sandberg, but this season will reconcile the two parties.

Sandberg lost out on the managerial job a year ago and went to the Phillies Class-AAA team.

This year the Cubs want him back, and the Hall of Famer would be something Chicago definitely needs to get going in the right direction.

Cubs First Baseman: Prince Fielder

The Cubs need to do something big to get back into playoff contention. Prince Fielder could be that big move.

Despite the tension between Fielder and the Chicago Cubs, Fielder hasn’t ruled out Chicago as a possible destination. The Cubs need a big hitter and something that will push them back towards the playoffs.

They’ll go way over budget, but the Cubs will find a way to sign Prince.

Carlos Zambrano to the Florida Marlins

As new players join the team, old ones must go. The Cubs will find a way to get rid of Carlos Zambrano. A possibility could be finding an agreement with the Florida Marlins.

Former Chicago White Sox coach Ozzie Guillen had a close relationship with Zambrano, and a Venezuelan newspaper published rumors of the new Florida manager thinking of a way to bring Zambrano to South Florida.

Dramatic Pitching Upgrade

Last season the Cubs had an average ERA of 4.33. That was led by starter Matt Garza’s 3.52.

If Chicago wants to have a shot at the playoffs next year, their first step needs to be in pitching. Carlos Zambrano needs to go.

In the previous “Years of the Pitcher,” the Cubs have been lacking. Several offseason pickups will bolster the rotation and give the Cubs a fighting chance.

Next Year

Starlin Castro was a shining star in the Cubs' dismal season.

If Chicago is able to get a good general manager and make some much-needed tweaks to their lineup, they could definitely be seeing some postseason action next year.

With an upgrade in leadership, and especially if they can get someone like Prince Fielder, the Cubs could go from a 71-91 team to snagging the wild-card spot in the 2012 MLB Playoffs.

Ally Williams is a B/R MLB Featured Columnist. To contact, leave a note below or follow Ally on Twitter for updates and her consistent sarcastic interpretation of the sports world.