Based solely on pure talent, I don't think I'll ever see a better Cubs team than 2004. Sosa, Nomar, Ramirez, Alou (at the height of his powers), CPatt (ditto), Wood, Prior, Z, Maddux, Hawkins, Grudzie/Walker (both having great years). The only problem is that many of these players were not playing at their best. I have no doubt that that team would have at least won the pennant had they made the playoffs, especially the way Prior and Wood were going at the end. Let's not forget Zambrano's Cy-Worthy year... He probably would've won the Cy Young Award if he had more wins... of course we had a "fab" offense. 2004 was an awesome team. I had the most confidence going into the 2004 season. That confidence has sort of come back going into the 2006 season, and was the least going into the 2005 season.