The Chicago Tribune has released its predictions for 2008. Here’s what they’re predicting for the Cubs’ 100th anniversary of their last World Series win:

Hoping to end a 100-year championship drought, the Cubs will head into September with a six-game lead in the Central Division — before a downward spiral that will conjure up memories of 1969. Still, they will manage to stumble into the postseason with an extra-inning win in the final game in Milwaukee, as road-tripping Cubs fans tear up the Miller Park turf in a riotous celebration. The Cubs will then sweep San Diego in the first round and shock the New York Mets in six games to earn their first World Series appearance since 1945. But Detroit Tigers owner Michael Ilitch will bring a goat into his luxury box for Games 1 and 2 at Comerica Park. Ron Santo will strangle the goat, but it’s too late. The die is cast and the Cubs go down meekly in five games.

— Paul Sullivan, Cubs reporter