CHICAGO -- Dale Sveum was well aware of the epic possibilities when he took the Chicago Cubs manger job this winter.

The club hasn't won the World Series since 1908, which only has served to let Sveum think big.

"It'll be the biggest event in sports history when we win, there is no question about that," Sveum said of the North Side championship drought now in its 104th season. "I was fortunate to be in Boston (as a coach in 2004), and after 86 years, that is as big a championship won in a long, long time. But when we win here it will be the biggest sports event in sports history, really."

It was noted that Sveum said "when" it happens and not if it happens, showing his optimistic nature and that he is an unmatched visionary. He can see a championship one day in the future despite the club's current 45-70 record and its 24½-game deficit in the National League Central standings.

"Yeah, that's our goal," Sveum said. "It's going to happen, and that's just the way I think. We're building to that goal and that's a goal you have every day."

For the record, Sveum is the 52nd manager in Cubs history and the 44th since Frank Chance guided them to back-to-back titles in 1907 and 1908.