2015 vs. 2003 Cubs? There Is No Comparison, Data Shows

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Cubs fan don't need to be reminded of the narrative behind the team's 2003 collapse.

Just a few outs from the World Series, and the wheels fell off the bus -- blah, blah, blah.

We won't mention any names.

Let's focus on some positives: This year's Cubs are, by far, faster, stronger, deeper and younger than that fateful crew 12 seasons ago.

According to data crunched by Five-Thirty-Eight, the rookie-laden Cubs are 4.5 years younger on average compared with 2003.

They also rate higher in terms of power, speed and both starting pitching at the bullpen. Their starting pitching rates the best in baseball, while the bullpen and the team's defense rank in the top 10 percent.

The only weakness?

The current teams strikes out a lot more - -a league-worst 1,518 times in the regular season.

Five-Thirty-Eight also compared this team with the playoff teams from 1984 and 1989, with some interesting findings. The site also calculates the probability of the team making the World Series.

Game 1 of the NLCS will be Saturday on the road against either the Mets of Dodgers. First pitch is set for 7:07 p.m. CT.