The Chicago Cubs 2011 season was a disaster, among the worst seasons the Cubs have had during this 103-year World Series title drought.

The Cubs finished fifth in the NL Central with a 71-91 record (yes, the Pirates were better). The only team in the division worse than the Cubs was the Astros, who had the most losses in the MLB.

The future doesn’t look bright for the Cubs — there’s no easy way to put it. It might take them five years to a decade to make their next postseason run. Although their outlook is bleak, the Cubs could contend soon if the right decisions are made this offseason. If the Cubs want to win, their rebuilding process should go a bit like this:

*Do not sign Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols*

I know this one might disturb Cubs fans, but signing Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols is a mistake. Yes, Pujols is the best player in the majors and has been for the past decade. And yes, Fielder is only 27 and already has 230 career home runs, but one player won’t change this depleted Cubs team. Even if the Cubs were lucky enough to sign either of these stud first basemen, they still wouldn’t be playoff contenders. Fielder, and especially Pujols, are way too pricey. Pujols is “reportedly”:http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/15/tony-la-russa-blames-players-union-for-albert-pujols-contract-d/) demanding a contract in the range of 10 years and $300 million (which would pay him into his 40s). Fielder is four years younger than Pujols and had a superior season. Do the math. Resigning Carlos Pena should be a priority of the Cubs. Pena signed a one year, $10 million contract with the Cubs last offseason after having one of the lowest batting averages ever (Pena had the third lowest batting average, .196, in a single season since 1969 for qualifying batters). The risk panned out for the Cubs, though, as Pena had a solid season leading the team with 28 home runs and 101 walks along with his always spectacular glove at first base. In no way am I arguing that Pena is a better player than Pujols or Fielder, but he’s a better bang for your buck.

*Play Brett Jackson right away*

Outfielder Brett Jackson was a revelation at the minor league level this season. The 23-year-old hit .274 with 20 home runs and 21 stolen bases playing in both the Double-A and the Triple-A. Jackson actually performed better in the Triple-A, raising his average from .256 to .297. Putting Jackson in the minor leagues for another season would be a mistake. Jackson needs to start on opening day and thereby demote Marlon Byrd to the bench. Byrd had a respectable year, hitting .276 with nine long balls, but struggled mightily after being hit in the face by a pitch. At the age of 34, Byrd is only going to decline. As proven by shortstop Starlin Castro a year ago, giving rookies everyday playing time is sometimes the right decision.

*Make ‘moneyball’ moves*

The movie “Moneyball” starring Brad Pitt, is the story of the 2002 Oakland Athletics, who beat the odds by winning 103 games despite a $40 million payroll. A’s general manager Billy Beane, whom Pitt plays in the film, decided to use advanced metrics to evaluate players across the league. Though most people judge players based off home runs, runs batted in and stolen bases, Beane instead evaluated players based off lesser used statistics such as slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Not only are these statistics more accurate, the players that perform well in these underrated categories usually demand much less money. The Cubs need to do their research and find that diamond in the rough that fits the bill of a moneyball-type player. Sure, Fielder and Pujols would please the fans, but signing undervalued players could be the cheaper and more effective route in the long run.

*Pitching, pitching and more pitching*

The Cubs must add depth to their pitching rotation. Carlos Zambrano is most likely a goner after “yet another outburst”:http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=17943115), forcing the Cubs to really shake up their rotation. Matt Garza, acquired last offseason, was the only successful starter for the Cubs this season. Garza had the best year of his career, striking out a career-high 197 batters to go along with a career-best 3.32 ERA. The rest of the rotation was garbage. Andrew Cashner was great when he pitched, but unfortunately missed most of the season with a rotator cuff injury. Randy Wells was also injured for quite some time and was ineffective when he did start (4.99 ERA in 135 innings pitched). Ryan Dempster had a poor year considering his ERA increased by nearly a full run from the prior season. The only realistic starting option the Cubs have in their system is reliever Jeff Samardzija, who had a spectacular year. The former Notre Dame wideout pitched a career-high 88 innings while going 8-4 with a 2.97 ERA. The Cubs must acquire a starter one way or another. Texas Rangers starter C.J. Wilson is a name floating around the rumor mill, but even that’s shooting too high. The Cubs have a solid one-two punch with Garza and Dempster but must find some help with the back-end of their rotation.

*Sign Theo Epstein and Ryne Sandberg*

Epstein is a bit of a long shot considering he’s from Boston, but even with the slimmest of chances of him leaving, the Cubs need to make a major push to sign the Red Sox general manager. Epstein has done wonders for the Red Sox, ending its 86-year World Series drought in 2004 (the Cubs can relate to that) and also winning again in 2007. After manager Terry Francona left, anything can happen. Boston’s wild card collapse (biggest blown September lead in history after being nine games ahead to start the month) might just keep getting worse. To pair with the Epstein signing, the Cubs should relieve manager Mike Quade of his duties and give Chicago legend Ryne Sandberg a chance.

Sandberg is a logical choice considering his minor league success and popularity with the Cubs’ fan base. I know being a great player doesn’t necessarily make you a great coach, but Sandberg has flashed signs of potential in the minor leagues with both the Cubs and Phillies. The players would love to play for a young manager who actually played in the major leagues (unlike Quade). Sandberg has already coached some of the current Cubs players, such as Castro, so chemistry wouldn’t be an issue. Despite being snubbed last offseason by the Cubs, Ryno has still expressed interest in taking over managing duties.

Though the 103-year drought will likely be extended after next year, by following these guidelines the desired World Series championship will be attainable.

_Michael is a sophomore in Media. He can be reached at [email protected]._