Can we still win the World Series without Z and Harden?

[UMFan83]

This is hypothetical, and I realize I'm jumping the gun. But this goes with my playoffs crapshoot theory. If our rotation was Dempster, Lilly, Marshall and Marquis and we got really hot offensively is it possible we could still win it?

[CubColtPacer]

There have been rotations similar to that who have won the WS, so sure, they could. I wouldn't put their chances as any higher than any other team in that scenario. They'd have to hope for some luck. But if two of Lilly/Marquis/Marshall get hot (and we've seen that happen at certain times of the season both last year and this year) then they could absolutely do it.

 

I mean, realistically, we're talking about a pitcher needing to have 3 of 4 good starts. Almost any pitcher can do that.

[Andy]

I really don't think so.

[JimSorgi]

What CCP said. We have the best offense and arguably the best bullpen in the NL. Dempster and Lilly could be enough if our offense is on.

[NCCubFan]

There's absolutely no question that it's possible. Likely, that's another story.

[Jehrico]

If one or the other is 100% healthy, yes. Both of them out...no.

[Yeti]

If one or the other is 100% healthy, yes. Both of them out...no.

this

[Ding Dong Johnson]

every world series winner in the history of MLB has won without Z and Harden