2003 Cubs versus 2016 Cubs: Comparing each position

The Chicago Cubs are back in the NLCS for the second consecutive season, a year after getting bounced in four straight games by the New York Mets. Only this time, things are looking a lot brighter. In fact, they are only 27 outs from the World Series.

While returning most of the dynamic 2015 team, this year's rendition of the roster -- with Ben Zobrist and Aroldis Chapman among the huge additions -- should not have to worry about something going awry (like it always does for this team). There's something special about this group.

The last time the Cubbies were within a sniff of the Fall Classic? Fans certainly don't like to hear it, but the year was 2003 -- the year of Steve Bartman, of course. The good news though: Up and down the lineup, this year's team blows that one out of the water.

This year's 103-win Cubs were the best team in baseball, and one of the most complete teams we've seen in some time.

For fun, we took a look at how this team compares to the last World Series contender to play its home games at Wrigley. WAR numbers, via Baseball-Reference, tell the story.

Catcher

Paul Bako (0.6 WAR) vs. David Ross (1.7 WAR)

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At 39 years of age, David Ross enjoyed his best season in terms of WAR since 2009. He and WIlson Contreras create a tandem behind the plate that not many teams can compare with.

First Base

Randall Simon (0.4 WAR) vs. Anthony Rizzo (5.7 WAR)

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Eric Karros manned first base for much of the season, but come playoff time, manager Dusty Baker turned to Randall Simon. Of course, in 2016, Chicago's first baseman is one of the best players in all of baseball: Anthony Rizzo.

Second Base

Mark Grudzielanek (2.3 WAR) vs. Javier Baez (3.4 WAR)

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After Ben Zobrist spent most of the season at second for the Cubs, Javier Baez's sizzling glove and bat haven't been able to be restrained. He's played himself into the starting lineup, and while Mark Grudzielanek was one of the most consistent players of 13 years ago, Baez's ceiling is MLB stardom.

Shortstop

Alex Gonzalez (1.1 WAR) vs. Addison Russell (4.3 WAR)

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A 20-home run season for Alex Gonzalez was the best of his career -- a pretty decent career at that. But Addison Russell is one of the league's best young players -- at just 22 years old, the All-Star hit 21 home runs while driving in 95 and saving 19 runs defensively at short.

Third Base

Aramis Ramirez (1.9 WAR) vs. Kris Bryant (7.7 WAR)

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A midseason acquisition for Chicago in '03, Aramis Ramirez played a big part in getting Chicago to the NLCS -- but, again, pitted against Kris Bryant, Ramirez's accomplishments look miniscule. Bryant is on the short list of National League MVP competitors this year.

Left Field

Moises Alou (1.1 WAR) vs. Ben Zobrist (3.8 WAR)

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Now moved to the outfield after the emergence of Javier Baez, Ben Zobrist is still producing for the Cubs. Moises Alou, at 36, was one of the Cubs' primary contributors. But Zobrist's all-around skill gives him the edge.

Center Field

Kenny Lofton (1.8 WAR) vs. Dexter Fowler (4.2 WAR)

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Lofton was another mid-year addition by the Cubs 13 years back, and played well in a Chicago uniform at age 36, but in 2016, Dexter Fowler's .840 OPS was the second-highest of his career.

Right Field

Sammy Sosa (2.7 WAR) vs. Jason Heyward (1.5 WAR)

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At last, the 2003 Cubs have the edge at a position -- and it's thanks to Jason Heyward's putrid first season as a Cub after signing a $184 million contract last winter.

Starting Pitchers

Carlos Zambrano, Mark Prior, Kerry Wood, Matt Clement (21.9 WAR) vs. Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jake Arrieta, John Lackey (16.2 WAR)

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The Cubs' 2016 rotation was arguably the best in the league, but the 2003 squad was even better. A healthy Mark Prior and Kerry Wood headlined it, while a youthful Carlos Zambrano and Matt Clement rounded out the foursome that carried Chicago through the postseason.

Bullpen

Joe Borowski, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Remlinger, Dave Veres, Antonio Alfonseca, Mark Guthrie (5.5 WAR) vs. Aroldis Chapman, Hector Rodon, Mike Montgomery, Travis Wood, Carl Edwards, Justin Grimm, Pedro Strop (4.5 WAR)

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The one true weakness for the Cubs in 2016 was solved at the trade deadline with the acquisition of star closer Aroldis Chapman. While the 2003 team had more depth, this year's bullpen employs one of the most imposing figures in all of baseball.

Bench

Eric Karros, Damian Miller, Tom Goodwin, Ramon Martinez, Troy O'Leary, Doug Glanville (-2 WAR) vs. Willson Contreras, Miguel Montero, Jorge Soler, Albert Almora, Chris Coghlan, Tommy La Stella (4.2 WAR)

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There just wasn't a lot for Dusty Baker to work with on his bench in 2003. In 2016, Joe Maddon's creativity combined with surplus talent has proven Chicago to have one of the deepest rosters in the league. Miguel Montero, namely, single-handedly won the Cubs a game this postseason.

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