Bernfield: Cubs' window of opportunity looks wide open

Any year the Cubs have expectations, a familiar phrase echoes through Wrigley Field.

"This is the year!"

This certainly could be the year. But even if it's not, Cubs fans can adopt a new slogan for this season and beyond.

"This is the window!"

It may not have the same ring, but it more accurately describes the Cubs' current situation and their future window of opportunity.

Gone are the days where it's all-or-nothing at the corner of Clark and Addison, with the Cubs ill equipped to win for more than a year or two at a time. After three years of rebuilding, a 24-win improvement in 2015 and a surprise trip to the National League championship series with one of baseball's youngest teams, the window is wide open for consistent success.

It's that sustained success promised by president of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein when he took over the team in the fall of 2011.

With the acquisition of Jason Heyward, the Cubs added a 26-year-old former all-star entering his prime, adding to a star-studded young corps that includes Anthony Rizzo (26), Kris Bryant (24), Addison Russell (22) and Kyle Schwarber (23).

Whether or not the Cubs win this season - barring major injuries - they have accumulated the talent to contend for years to come.

Success in 2016 will hinge on whether zany manager Joe Maddon can develop a clubhouse culture conducive to getting the most out of a team with lofty expectations. Judging by the 1970s day, karaoke with Munenori Kawasaki, and a mime showing up at spring training, Maddon kept things loose in camp while telling his team to "embrace the target" placed on them by fans and media.

It will depend on whether Jake Arrieta can come anywhere close to replicating the consistency he showed last season as the unquestioned ace of the staff. It is highly unlikely - and unfair to expect - that he will dominate in the same way he did in the second half of last season. He went 12-1 after the all-star break, with a major league record 0.75 ERA, and posted a season WAR (wins above replacement) of 9.0. But if he remains among the upper echelon of National League starting pitchers, the Cubs figure to be among the NL's best teams.

And the Cubs will only have success if they can avoid long-term injuries to their most important players. Arrieta's health remains most important, but injuries to Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant or Jon Lester could also derail the Cubs' chances of returning to the playoffs in consecutive years for the first time since 2007 and 2008.

With this collection of talent the Cubs possess, anything short of a playoff appearance would be a huge disappointment. But if they don't win the World Series this year, the franchise won't be devastated.

Not one of their key contributors becomes a free agent after this season, and their young corps remains under contract for years to come.

So, if they don't win it this year, Cubs fans can use another familiar refrain. And this time, it won't be said sarcastically.

Wait 'til next year.

• Jordan Bernfield is an anchor and co-host of "Inside The Clubhouse" on WSCR 670-AM The Score. He also works as a play-by-play broadcaster for ESPN. Follow him on Twitter@JordanBernfield.