Remember that scene in Back to the Future II where it flashed Cubs win World Series in 2015? While they will likely not defeat a team from Miami and sweep them in five games, the other half of the prophecy may not be that far off.
At the time of the movie, Miami, or even the state of Florida, did not have a professional baseball team. Now the state has two teams, however, the team that resides in Miami also resides in the same league as the Cubs making a World Series match up not possible. And unless there is a major change in the playoff format, a nine game series will be unlikely to sweep in five games. But who is to say that the Chicago Cubs can’t defeat the Tampa Bay Rays in four games come October 21st, 2015?
As the 2013 campaign winds down the current Cubs are trying to fight out of a last place finish in the standings. Ultimately though, the last two seasons under the new management team has been all about building for the future. The philosophy is changing, and player development is a focal point for the club. The Cubs are building a farm system, and young talent is building within the ranks. Cub prospects continue to fill the top 100 prospects list in all of baseball and can it all lead to a summer and fall for the history books (and almanacs) in 2015?
Not only is talent changing at the Friendly Confines, but the ballpark itself will be undergoing transformations, and even the beer will be changing. A 62 year partnership with Old Style beer will come to an end after this season. Beginning next season a “new style” and partnership will take over the grandstands and billboards as Wrigley Field will welcome Anheuser-Busch InBev. A video board will also highlight changes to the historical grounds at Clark and Addison, and Cub fans just may need a trip in the DeLorean rather than the L train after all of the renovations are said and done.
But how may the team look on the field? Some of the potential 2015 starting line up has seen big league playing time already. In addition to the stars of today, will be the highly anticipated MiLB prospects ready to burst onto the scene. When the Cubs take the field on Opening Day 2015, they may just be those 100 to 1 odds as well to win it all.
Introducing the 2015 starting line up, not taken from the Grays Sports Almanac:
Catcher – Wellington Castillo
First Base – Anthony Rizzo
Second Base – Starlin Castro
Shortstop – Javier Baez
Third Base – Kris Bryant
Left Field – Junior Lake
Center Field – Albert Almora
Right Field – Jorge Soler
If only Doc can make Cub fans fast forward to 2015 and see this Cubs team on the field. The outlook is bright, the talent is progressing, and 2015 just may be the year. History is on the side of the Cubs. There’s something very familiar about all of this.
McFly!
