Oct. 07--Manager Joe Maddon declined to reveal the Cubs' starting lineup for Wednesday night's National League wild-card game against the Pirates.
"I won't give the lineup because I don't want to create an unfair advantage for the other side," Maddon said at Tuesday's news conference.
But since last weekend, especially on Friday with Jake Arrieta on the mound, Maddon has given an indication of what the Cubs' lineup could look like against Pirates ace Gerrit Cole.
Left-handed hitting Tommy La Stella started at third base on Friday and took ground balls there during Tuesday's workout. Kris Bryant started in left field and Kyle Schwarber in right, and it's possible that they may start the game in those respective positions because of PNC Park's spacious left field.
La Stella's ability to score runners from third base might give him an advantage because the Cubs were only 6-for-36 with runners in scoring position last weekend against the Brewers, and runs are expected to be at a premium against Cole.
"I know what I want to do," Maddon said. "I'm not ready to announce yet because I don't want to do that. But the guys who are going to play (Wednesday) have been in the positions that they're going to play (Wednesday) at various moments during the season."
Maddon has substituted liberally for defensive purposes late in games and will employ the same tactics if the Cubs get an early lead.
The Cubs are required to submit their 25-man roster by 9 a.m.
What pressure? Left-hander Jon Lester, a veteran of three postseasons, downplayed the fact that the Cubs and Pirates will be under pressure in Wednesday's win-or-go-home game.
"I don't like the word pressure," Lester said. "It's what you make of it. I think we all have pressure. It's all about how you handle it."
Jersey boy: Bryant was surprised to learn he has the top-selling jersey in the majors.
"That's a pretty big honor," Bryant said. "Just because it's not like one of those awards, like the MVP, but it shows I'm doing things the right way on the field, playing hard, and people are respecting the way I play.
"I hope to be a role model for all those kids out there. It was something so random, I wasn't expecting that. It was so cool."
