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Chicago Cubs: Predicting the starting rotation for the playoffs

By Corey Francis

Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of the exterior of Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general shot of the exterior of Wrigley Field before a game between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; (Editors note: multiple exposure used to create this image) Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; (Editors note: multiple exposure used to create this image) Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the seventh inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Jon Lester

It makes sense. Jon Lester as emerged as the Chicago Cubs Ace this year. Whether it has been at Wrigley field or on the road, Lester has performed up to his contract.

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And, he is a candidate for the NL Cy Young Award. Overall, Lester is 17-4 with a 2.40 ERA, a 1.016 WHIP, and 8.8 strikeouts per nine innings.

But, take at look at his performance at Wrigley. In 13 starts, Lester is 8-2 with a 1.91 ERA. Opponents are batting .182 against him and he has only allowed 20 runs. His numbers are solid on the road as well, but he is arguably the Cubs best pitcher. Furthermore, Lester has extensive playoff experience.

Given that his last start provides more than adequate rest before October 7, Jon Lester will be the game one starter.

Next: But who gets the ball in game two?

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