Kyle Hendricks. Jon Lester. Aroldis Chapman. Joe Maddon didn’t want anyone else to throw a single pitch during Game 7 of the World Series. Of course, it wouldn’t have been so Cub or quite as epic if everything went according to script against the Cleveland Indians.
The Cubs survived some questionable in-game decisions at Progressive Field and got through the 10th inning with a pitcher once drafted in a 48th round that no longer exists (Carl Edwards Jr.) and a guy who thought he might be playing in Japan this year (Mike Montgomery).
But the Cubs understand what might work through October and into early November isn’t sustainable.