The 2008 Chicago Cubs: 100 Years in the Making

As a lifelong Cubs fan, I'm used to the heartbreak of seeing the North Siders drop a huge lead, the occasional Championship Series, and the season altogether.

I've gone through the torment of a 66-96 season to close Dusty Baker's final year as manager. I've grown up watching legends like Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, Mark Grace, and Sammy Sosa represent the team with the longest World Series drought in history, and they all missed going to the Fall Classic.

In 2003, I watched as the Cubbies came within five outs of their first Series appearance in nearly 60 years, only to see the billy goat—in the form of Steve Bartman—psych them out and cause this curse to get into their heads and drop the NLCS.

But now, there's joy in Wrigleyville. The Cubs are 38-21, at the top of the NL Central, and what's more—they're at the top of the Majors.

For the first time since 1908 (their last World Series Championship), they are the best team going into June.

And we should definitely recognize those who got them where they are.

First, Lou Piniella. This man has managed the best and worst in baseball history. In his first year with the Cubs, he led them to the Central Division Title, just barely beating out Milwaukee. The way he works with the lineup and the rotation is amazing—especially his move of Ryan Dempster to the starting position.

Second, Alfonso Soriano, or who I refer to as "the best $108 million the Cubs ever spent."  Despite getting the occasional boos from the crowd, he is one of the top players, with 14 homers and 39 RBI.

Next, the rest of the batting lineup. Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez are two of the top players in the club, and the addition of Kosuke Fukudome has brought more power to the team.

Rookie of the Year candidate Geovany Soto has improved since his stint last year, hitting .293, 10 home runs and 39 RBI.

Also, the "Cajun Connection," Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot have proved that the sophomore jinx doesn't apply to them.  Theriot has a .321 average and Fontenot hits .247.

And finally, the surprising Reed Johnson, hitting .246 with 24 RBI.

Finally, the pitching staff. Carlos Zambrano and Ryan Dempster continue to stay on top of their game. Zambrano is 8-1, with a 2.51 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 86.0 innings pitched.

Dempster's move from the bullpen has added strikeouts to the defense, as Ryan's 63 K's lead the club.

Last but not least, Kerry Wood, who struck out 20 against the Astros in the early 2000's, is now the Cubs' best closer, with 16 saves and 36 strikeouts in 32.1 innings.

It seems the Cubs are finally right where they need to be. The only question is, should we as Cubs fans start getting a little more comfortable—or look for the usual?