5 Surprising Reasons Why the Cubs Make the Playoffs

A few months ago, things didn't look good for the Cubs. Now they have won 17 out of their last 22 and are one of the hottest teams in baseball. Below are some reason I think they can make it to the post season this year.

Lou Piniella

I will be the first one to admit I was wrong. I wanted Joe Girardi to manage the Cubs. I knew Piniella led Cincinnati to a World Series almost 20 years ago. The only other thing I knew about "Sweet Lou" was that he lost a bet with the Devil Rays that resulted in him dying his hair blond. What I'm learning this year is that Piniella knows the game, he's not afraid to take chances and play hunches, and he wants to win more than anything else. The ball I have signed by Lou is quickly becoming one of my more treasured possessions.

Ryan Theriot and Mike Fontenot

How cool would it be to play pro baseball with your college teammate? That's exactly what these two former LSU Tigers and winners of the 2000 College World Series get to do every day. It seems like one of these guys is always hitting. Kudos to Piniella for making the team better by sticking with these guys, despite paying Cesar Izturis over $4 million this year. With these two guys in the lineup, team speed increases a ton and that puts a lot of pressure on the other team.

Mark DeRosa

Is there anything DeRosa can't do? He plays anywhere the team needs and is flourishing. Some were skeptical when the Cubs rewarded him with a big contract after 1 good season in Texas. DeRosa has been an RBI machine and is second on the team only to "Mr. Clutch" Aramis Ramirez. He's also the most unselfish player on the team, willing do whatever it takes to win.

Jason Kendall and more?