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Chicago Cubs: Why Isn’t Joe Maddon Using Jon Lester?

By Steve Contursi

Jun 24, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) fields questions from reporters in the dugout prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon (70) fields questions from reporters in the dugout prior to the game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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So the Indians come to Chicago to face the Cubs in their own lair and they pin one of those heartbreaking losses on Joe Maddon’s team that may or may not have a lasting effect on either team. That game is in the books as they say. But what about tonight and why isn’t Jon Lester on the mound?

Well, first things first. According to SB Nation the Cleveland Indians have handed themselves a better than 50-50 chance of winning the World Series. But, it’s only slightly better and a 2-1 lead is not nearly impressive as a 3-1 lead, which of course they would have if they also win tonight.

So that means that Game 4 becomes the new “critical” game of the World Series. Which calls to mind a question. If this game is so crucial for the Chicago Cubs, why isn’t Jon Lester pitching it?

In a Game 1 loss, Lester threw only 97 pitches, which for him is just like he’s getting warmed up. And while Indians manager Terry Francona announced even before last nights game that his ace, Corey Kluber would be starting Game 4 on “short” rest, his counterpart in the Cubs dugout has selected right hander John Lackey over Lester.

A couple of things though about this are sobering. For one, it’s probably suicide to criticize anything that Joe Maddon does. And two, Lackey has more postseason experience than anyone on either roster. He has also won 8 of his 13 decisions. So it’s not like he’s pulling a Ryan Merritt out of his hat. But still, you have to wonder if Maddon might be having second thoughts when he wakes up this morning down 2-1.

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Knowing what we know about Maddon, probably not. But still, and this is sort of cheating a little bit, if you count today as a full days rest, then Lester would have four days until he picks up a ball at around 7:45 tonight. And Lester did, in fact start 13 games this season on four days rest (versus 14 on five days which would be his “normal” tomorrow night).

Plus you could also argue that if the Cubs go down again tonight and end up with a 3-1 deficit, they’ll need Lester more than ever tomorrow night. It’s somewhat of a crapshoot either way, but it’ll certainly keep the Hot Stove league jumping this winter depending on what eventually happens.

The other thing too about Maddon is that he is not afraid to make bold moves. And he is not one of those managers who automatically goes “with the guys that brought you here”. Witness, for instance, his decision to sit Jason Heyward without batting an eye.

Next: How Schwarber could change baseball

So if you are a Chicago Cubs fan and you are asking yourself the same question I’m asking, maybe it’s time to keep the faith in the manager that “brought you here”.

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