During the post-game press conference, Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester hinted at the potential playoff rotation. There has been a lot of speculation as to what the Cubs playoff rotation would look like, and we added to the speculation on Monday.
When Lester was asked when he thought he would pitch in the playoffs, he started with the typical answer/non-answer when he replied, “I’ll pitch whenever Joe tells me to pitch.”
Of course a professional would answer this way. He’s not going to ruffle feathers or break news that wasn’t ready to be told. But it is when he followed it up with this little nugget that spiked some interest.
“If I’m chosen for Game 1, awesome, it will be a great honor,” Lester said. “If I’m not, it’s still a great honor to pitch in the postseason for this team.”
“But obviously it would be nice to start a home game here, whether it’s (Game 1 or 2). This atmosphere’s been great all year. It’s been a playoff kind of atmosphere all year. They’ve expected a lot of us. We’ve given them a lot. And they give us a lot in return, as far as energy.”
This is certainly the first time any of the Cubs starters have addressed a playoff rotation. Jon’s comments, if nothing else, seem like he’s vying for that Game 1 start in the NLDS. Why shouldn’t he?
Lester leads the National League in wins (18) and owns the second lowest ERA (2.36). Lester is leaving 85.9% of baserunners on base and he leads the team in innings pitched (191), complete games (2), and WAR (5.1). He is lights out at home, where Game 1 will be played, owning a 1.86 ERA, 0.910 WHIP, and won nine of his 14 contests.
Lester should be the Game 1 starter on merit alone and if Lester has his way, he will be on the bump come October 7th at Wrigley Field.
