Will the Cubs break the Curse of the Billy Goat in the 'Year of the Goat?'

First the Cubs get Joe Maddon, then they get Jon Lester, then they get a new scoreboard (it's on the way!) to keep track of all the fun that's about to happen in 2015 at Wrigleyville. Now, believe it or not, it's the Year of the Goat (or sheep or ram) starting Thursday with the Lunar New Year.

For the faithful flock of Cub fans, that's too good to be true. The Curse of the Billy Goat has been around for years, ever since Billy Goat Tavern owner Billy Sianis was asked to get outta Wrigley during a World Series game against the Tigers.

Yes, that 1945 Fall Classic (Year of the Rooster) was the last one the Cubs made it to. They haven't won a pennant since then and haven't won it all since 1908 (Year of the Monkey).

The first home team of 2015 will be the Cubs, who host the rival Cardinals in the ESPN Sunday Night opener on April 5. Could it all end with a parade . . . or even just a World Series appearance?

And for those who are calling it the Year of the Sheep, Ken Griffey Jr. reminds us of the time he tried to pull the wool over Lou Piniella's eyes: