Chicago Cubs: The postseason rotation – who’s in, who’s out for Chicago?

Chicago Cubs: An insurance policy – if he’s ready to go

Regardless of which three or four pitchers start, Mike Montgomery will return to the bullpen to provide a great insurance policy if any of the starters struggle early on in ballgames. That, of course, is also contingent on his health. Maddon could go to Monty to eat up innings to preserve the other arms in the bullpen.

If not, don’t sleep on a guy like Drew Smyly, who seems likely to make his debut with the Chicago Cubs once rosters expand come Sept. 1.

No matter who Maddon and pitching coach Jim Hickey give the starting assignments to in October, the leashes for each starter are going to be short. So the starters might not play as significant a role as some may think. It’ll take a full team effort form the entire pitching staff to give the Cubs the best chance to bring home another World Series title.