Sporting News Picks Cubs To Win 2015 World Series

(CBS) The expectation has been set for the Cubs in 2015 -- at least from one national publication.

In a bold call, the Sporting News has tabbed the Cubs to break their title drought of more than a century by winning the World Series next fall.

Coming off a 73-89 season, Chicago hasn't had a winning record since 2009 and hasn't been to the playoffs since 2008, but the additions of new manager Joe Maddon, ace left-hander Jon Lester and top prospect Kris Bryant (at some point) was enough to make a difference in the eyes of the Sporting News prognosticators, who are already quite high on the foundation that's been built.

From the Sporting News:

The real reason to be excited, though, is the Cubs' bountiful farm system, coupled with savvy trades, is starting to bear fruit for the lineup. First baseman Anthony Rizzo (acquired from the Padres when he was 22) and home-grown shortstop Starlin Castro are the cornerstones of the lineup, both legitimate stars entering their age-25 seasons. The fact that the Cubs were able to get significant action in the major leagues last year for Arismendy Alcantara, Jorge Soler and Javier Baez will help those players settle into their first full big-league campaigns. Eventually, Kris Bryant will be along as well.

The Cubs haven't won a World Series since 1908, but Maddon said at his introductory press conference that he believes Chicago has the ability to make the playoffs in 2015. And once there, anything can happen.

Click here to read the Sporting News' full explanation of their pick.