LOS ANGELES – The reality is, the final four innings of the Cubs' 5-2 loss in Game 1 of the National League Championship Series were quite ugly for the visitors. And to pin it all on the bullpen would be very unfair. But that’s where we’ll start.
Questioning Joe Maddon is becoming a postseason tradition.
When the playoffs roll around, every pitching change and pinch-hitter is scrutinized. When Maddon pulled José Quintana with the game tied at two through five innings, there were those who immediately questioned the move. When he brought in Hector Rondon, who didn’t make the NLDS roster and hadn’t pitched since Sept.