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Worst Case: 66 - 96

Best Case: 82 - 80

Breakout Candidate: Anthony Rizzo

To say the Chicago Cubs disappointed in 2012 is an understatement. The club added Paul Maholm, Jeff Samardzija and Chris Volstad to the rotation last year, and although they weren't necessarily expected to evolve into a playoff contender, nobody foresaw a season in which the Cubs would compile 101 losses.

In this year's offseason, the Cubs have made a number of acquisitions again, in hopes of resurrecting their winning ways—a feeling that seems to be so distant to many fans. Ryan Dempster, Paul Maholm, and Chris Volstad have left the rotation and have been replaced by Carlos Villanueva, Scott Feldman and Edwin Jackson. All three additions are nothing more than mediocre and the rotation is still without a true ace.

As of now, the Chicago lineup lacks a big bat yet again, but that could change depending on one young player's performance at the plate. Anthony Rizzo has had high expectations since being called up back in 2011, and based on his minor league track record, he has the capability to hit 30-plus homers and rack up 100 RBI in a single season. Success for the Cubs' offense will largely depend on the bat of Anthony Rizzo in 2013.

The Cubs added Japanese pitcher, Kyuji Fujikawa, which gives a viable arm to the team's shallow bullpen. Due to Carlos Marmol's depreciating production as the closer over the past couple seasons, don't be surprised if Fujikawa is granted the responsibility of closing games for the club at some point in the year.

Expectations shouldn't be high for the Chicago Cubs in 2013, yet with young talent and new additions, finishing the year with a winning record is a feasible feat.