Chicago Cubs: Why Cole Hamels should start first playoff game

Chicago Cubs: Lester can be relied on for consistently strong outings

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In a five-game playoff series, one has to think Montgomery is destined for the bullpen. If Quintana struggles come the fourth or fifth inning, the Cubs could always put Montgomery in the game for at least a few innings, too.

With all of that being said, the only true choices for the Cubs’ top playoff starting pitcher are Hamels, Lester and Hendricks. And really, any of the three are good options for the team.

Lester has a career 2.55 ERA in the postseason, so the Cubs more or less know he will perform at a high-level in October. His 6.69 ERA in eight second half starts is worrisome, there is no doubting it.

Be that as it may, Lester has allowed zero, one and three runs in his last three starts, pitching into the sixth inning every time. One has to think the Cubs would be happy with such production in the playoffs.