Don’t expect to see the Rockies back in the World Series in 2008 with the way they’ve played so far this season looking more like a last-place club. Division rival Arizona has a better chance with the acquisition of Dan Haren and the success it has had thus far. The Mets hope the addition of Johan Santana will help them avoid another late-season slump, and so far, Santana has done his job and will only get better later in the season, his track record shows.

I don’t think any of these moves are good enough to keep the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series in the centennial year since they last won a title. The Cubs have a batting order that I think will be the best in baseball in 2008.

Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez and Derrek Lee are guys who can hit 30 home runs and add 100-plus RBIs. The addition of Japanese superstar Kosuke Fuudome makes this lineup even more potent. Durability in the Cubs’ starting rotation and pen used to be an issue, but now the Cubs have four starters who can pitch 200 innings. Ryan Dempster has really become a solid starter in the Cubs’ rotation and has given them a chance to win every time he takes the mound.

This is a staff that has led the league in strikeouts seven straight seasons. The ability to sit out hitters is especially great in the postseason. With Carlos Mármol emerging as a great reliever and Kerry Wood content to be a fire-thrower out of the pen, the Cubs have a team capable of winning it all.