Chicago Cubs: Great Cubs team of all time tournament

2003 versus 2015 in a wild card match-up

What is a bracket without a Wild Card? Well, we definitely have one here.

The 2003 Chicago Cubs may have only won 88 games, but they were the closest the team has come to winning the NLCS since 1984. They won the NL Central over the Houston Astros with a great second half run. On July 26, they were 5 1/2 games behind, but won 41 of 68 games in the second half – including six straight to end the season. The offense was average at best, but the rotation was top three in the NL. The starting rotation that included Kerry Wood, Mark Prior, Carlos Zambrano, was the second to the vaunted staff of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Then, you have the 2015 Wild Card winner. With expectations low, the Cubs made a run for the ages. Jake Arrieta was incredible and won the Cy Young. Kris Bryant stole the show as the Rookie of the Year, and the team won 97 games. Yes, they won the Wild Card and had the third-best record in the majors. Kyle Schwarber hit mammoth home runs to carry the team and provide hope for the future.

Both teams went to the NLCS…..and lost in epic fashion. It is “Bartman” versus the Sweep. Which team makes it to the next round and plays the top seed?

*Note: The team with the most votes between the Top Seed Battle and the Wild Card will move on.

Next: Number 2 versus Number 7