September 16, 2015 Daily Herald Lester helps Chicago Cubs salvage a split doubleheader By Bruce Miles PITTSBURGH -- The solution to a better bullpen is sometimes pretty simple: Get better starting pitching. The Cubs' bullpen has been pretty well beat up lately, both literally and figuratively. Some of it's deserved. But some of the recent poor performances might have something to do with the relievers getting little relief because the starters aren't going deep enough. It was all on display Tuesday on a beautiful afternoon and night at PNC Park, where the Cubs and Pirates split a doubleheader. The Cubs came from 4-1 down in the first game, only to see Justin Grimm cough up what proved to be the game-winning run in the eighth inning as the Pirates prevailed 5-4. In the night game, Jon Lester tossed his first complete game of the year, and the Cubs salvaged a split by winning 2-1. "That's the goal every time you go out there: Finish the game," said Lester, who is 10-10 with a 3.38 ERA. "Obviously, nowadays we don't get to do that. When you do it, I guess it's a little more special than finishing 7 or having a cleaner game than that. No, it was good." The Cubs envisioned this from Lester last winter when they signed him to a six-year, $155 million deal. "This is what he does," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon, whose team is 83-61 and 4 games behind the Pirates for the top wild-card spot in the National League. "He likes pitching in big games in the latter part of the season. It's not a surprise." Game 1 starting pitcher Jason Hammel didn't fare nearly as well, as he lasted only 3⅔ innings, giving up 5 hits and 4 runs. As it's turning out, the Cubs don't have much rotation punch left after the 1-2 of Jake Arrieta and Lester. The Cubs are looking like the modern version of the 1948 Boston Braves, when the refrain went something like, "Spahn and Sain and pray for rain," referring to dominant starters Warren Spahn and Johnny Sain. Hammel, who has a 5.43 ERA and only 2 quality starts since the all-star break, was hard on himself, calling his performance "just unacceptable" and his 3-run first inning "pretty embarrassing." "For whatever reason, he could not find the plate early in that game," Maddon said. "That 3-run first inning is pretty much the decisive component of that game."

Grimm gave up a leadoff walk in the eighth inning. A throwing error by catcher Miguel Montero on a stolen base set up a sacrifice fly by Starling Marte that proved enough. "It's the walk, the leadoff walk," Grimm said. "It doesn't help the situation at all. I'm beating myself. The other teams aren't beating me. I'm beating myself. "As of lately, I've just been too fine. It's leading to walks in crucial moments. Not just walks. You're going to walk people here or there, but these are crucial walks." Maddon had his bullpen warming up in each of the first four innings of Game 1. Contrast that to Game 2, when Lester put runners on first and third with nobody out in the seventh, and nary a soul stirred in the visitors bullpen. -- Daily Herald Epstein not worried about his Cubs contract By Bruce Miles PITTSBURGH -- Cubs President Theo Epstein said Tuesday he and team chairman Tom Ricketts have not talked lately about an extension to Epstein's five-year contract, which expires after next season. "Literally not even a thought in my mind," Epstein said before the Cubs' day-night doubleheader with the Pirates at PNC Park. "It's just something that we'll probably pick up when we're done playing, whenever that is. I have no concerns or worries about it whatsoever. Tom and I see things the same way. We know this is a beginning for the organization, and we all want to see it through." Epstein also expressed no worries that any of his staff would leave for better jobs at the end of the season. Jason McLeod, the Cubs' scouting and player-development chief, often has been talked about as a future general manager. "I don't think so; I think we have a pretty tight-knit group," Epstein said of possible concerns. "This is a great time to be a Chicago Cub, whether you're in uniform or in the front office. I don't really worry about losing people, but if we do, I think we have a really deep organization. There's another layer ready to step up. We have depth in the front office. I think that we're a great team in the front office, and I expect us to stay together for a while." No counting chickens: Theo Epstein said the Cubs are not yet formulating postseason roster plans. In Epstein's final days in Boston, the Red Sox suffered a monumental collapse. "No," he said "Until you get the little 'C' (clinched) next to your name, nothing's assured. After living through 2011, I don't take anything for granted. I'm well aware of how momentum in September can take on a life all its own and affect the standings. So it's important to keep focused on that day's game, keep storing your wins, things will be OK. Take care of your own business. That's where we're at right now." Soler rehab continues: Right fielder Jorge Soler continues his minor-league rehab assignment, playing for Class A Myrtle Beach in the Carolina League championship series. Myrtle Beach had Tuesday off. They take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-give series against Wilmington on Wednesday. Soler has been on the disabled list since Aug. 24 with a left-oblique strain. "Feeling pretty good," Epstein said of Soler. "He played last night, and they're up 2-0. He's going to play in Game 3, and then we'll re-evaluate."

-- Cubs.com Vintage Lester spurs Cubs to split with Bucs By Carrie Muskat and Tom Singer PITTSBURGH -- The Cubs were in retreat, in danger of losing four straight for only the second time in three months to impair their campaign for a favorable postseason position. Jon Lester would have none of it, going the route on a five-hitter for a 2-1 victory over the Pirates in the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader at PNC Park. Confounding hitters with a separation of 21 mph between a 72-mph curve and 93-mph fastball, the left-hander turned in his first complete game of the season and No. 12 in 281 career starts. "This is what he does," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Lester. "He likes pitching in big games in the latter part of the season. It's not a surprise." The Pirates won the day game, 5-4. With the split, the teams remained four games apart in the National League Wild Card standings -- the Bucs hold the top spot -- and both lost a half-game in the NL Central standings to the Cardinals, who beat the Brewers in extra innings. The Pirates are three games behind St. Louis, and the Cubs seven games out. "He can throw that ball in a teacup down and in to right-handed hitters," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of Lester. "He was changing speeds extremely well, and kept nailing that ball to his glove side down and in … it was tough for us to get the barrel to it." While Maddon kept five Game 1 starters in his Game 2 lineup -- including Dexter Fowler and Anthony Rizzo, who delivered RBI hits off starter J.A. Happ -- his Pittsburgh counterpart, Hurdle, turned over eight-ninths of his lineup: Center fielder Andrew McCutchen was the only one to start both games. "A few pitches caught too much plate tonight, and they hit a couple doubles," Happ said. "Just tried to zone back in and execute your pitch and be able to mix it up a little bit. For the most part, we were able to do that." MOMENTS THAT MATTERED Pirates misfire: In their one genuine shot at Lester, with runners at the corners and none out in the seventh, the Bucs came up with a hard-hit ball -- but Michael Morse's grounder went right at shortstop Addison Russell, who started a double play that allowed a run to score but killed the rally. Out on a strong limb: The Pirates risked unconventional strategy in the fifth inning -- having the left-handed Happ intentionally walk lefty-hitting Rizzo to load the bases with two outs -- and got away with it when Happ got Starlin Castro to pop out to right to end the inning, keeping the Cubs' lead at 2-0. "He's got experience [working out of jams], we just haven't seen a lot of it lately, he's been so efficient," Hurdle said of Happ, who had won his previous five starts while allowing a total of three runs in 30 2/3 innings. "He got into some situations where he had to make pitches, slow the game down. He pitched a good game, competed very well." Challenging play: David Ross doubled to lead off the Cubs' fifth and the Pirates tried to get him at third on Lester's sacrifice. The throw appeared to be in time, but Ross was called safe. The Pirates challenged the call, saying third baseman Aramis Ramirez made the tag in time. After a review, the call was confirmed, and Ross then scored on Fowler's double for a 2-0 lead. Defense: Javier Baez has primarily played shortstop for the Cubs, and then switched to second when he was called up last season. But on Tuesday, he looked stellar at third, including a nifty barehanded grab of Morse's grounder to end the fourth and strand a runner. This was Baez's fifth start at third -- and Kris Bryant's fifth start in right field --

and he could get more games there. Bryant showed off his glove work when he snared McCutchen's fly ball against the right-field wall to end the sixth. "That one little chopper that spun and was going to go to his right and he barehanded it was an outstanding play," Maddon said of Baez. "He very calmly picked it up. It was almost like the old Brooks [Robinson], I would say, Graig-Nettles-kind-of-thing where you look at the ball and then throw accurately to first base. It was outstanding." QUOTABLE "That's the goal every time. You see a guy on his game, you know it's going to be tough. He was tough tonight, and they were just a little better than us tonight. That was a great atmosphere tonight ... great." -- Happ, on the challenge posed by a great competitor like Lester "We'll sleep pretty good. They'll leave having lost, we'll leave having won. Night game tomorrow, by that time, they're pretty good and they'll be ready to roll. But it's nice to leave having won. There's something about leaving the building having won." -- Maddon, on splitting the doubleheader SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS The Pirates had won 12 consecutive one-run decisions at home; the loss dropped their season record in one-run games in PNC Park to 21-6. WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: Jake Arrieta will try for his Major League-leading 20th win on Wednesday when the Cubs play the third game of their four-game series against the Pirates. The last Cubs' 20-game winner was Jon Lieber, who went 20-6 in 2001. Arrieta has thrown 16 consecutive quality starts, and is 13-1 with a 1.00 ERA in that stretch. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Pirates: After wrapping up Tuesday's twin bill, the Bucs will resume their four-game set against the Cubs at 7:05 ET on Wednesday in PNC Park, handing A.J. Burnett his second start since a stint on the disabled list. -- Cubs.com Smooth operators: Defense refuses to rest By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- Javier Baez has looked like a natural at third base, and his defensive skills will likely help him secure a spot on the Cubs' postseason roster -- especially after manager Joe Maddon compared his play to that of Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson. Starting his fifth game at third in the nightcap of Tuesday's doubleheader vs. the Pirates, Baez made a nifty barehanded grab of Michael Morse's grounder to end the fourth inning and strand a runner in the Cubs' 2-1 win at PNC Park. "That one little chopper that spun and was going to go to his right and he barehanded, it was an outstanding play," Maddon said. "He very calmly picked it up. It was almost like the old Brooks [Robinson], I would say, Graig-Nettles-kind-of-thing where you look at the ball and then throw accurately to first base. It was outstanding." Said Baez: "It was a tough play. I was sure if I grabbed it with the glove, I wasn't going to make the play. I was trying to make a good throw." Kris Bryant, who has been the primary third baseman, was in right field for the fifth time as a big leaguer, and he showed off his glovework when he snared Andrew McCutchen's fly ball against the right-field wall to end the sixth.

Jon Lester, who struck out nine in his first complete game of the season, complimented shortstop Addison Russell and Starlin Castro with the play of the game when they turned a double play in the seventh. Aramis Ramirez scored from third on the play, but that was OK with Lester. "I think that was the turning point in the game as far as momentum," Lester said. "We'll give up the one [run] to get two [outs]. They saved that inning, and possibly the game right there." Maddon is a big proponent of good defense, and Baez has impressed him since Spring Training. "I feel good at third base," Baez said. "I thought it was going to be weird, but I'm seeing the ball off the bat really good." -- Cubs.com Lester puts big-game pedigree on display By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- Jon Lester had thrown 105 pitches over eight innings Tuesday, and was due to lead off in the ninth. The Cubs' lead was just one run and Lester isn't much of a threat at the plate, so he figured he'd be lifted for a pinch-hitter. But nobody said anything to the left-hander. "I was standing there, looking around, seeing what Joe [Maddon] was doing and nobody moved," Lester said after going the distance in Chicago's 2-1 win in the nightcap of a doubleheader vs. the Pirates. "I grabbed my stuff and walked out there [to the on-deck circle]. I figured they'd grab me if they didn't want me out there. I was happy to get the chance to finish it off." Lester finished what he started, striking out nine in his first complete game of the season and 12th of his career to help the Cubs split the doubleheader at PNC Park. "I loved his last at-bat," Maddon said. "His last at-bat indicated to me that he was frisky." The Pirates helped Lester in the ninth as both Andrew McCutchen and Aramis Ramirez swung at the first pitch they saw, and both were retired. "I wasn't expecting Aramis to be swinging, especially after McCutchen swings at the first pitch," Lester said. "Thank you. I know what they're capable of. They're trying to get a good pitch and do some damage with it and tie the game." In the game, Lester scattered five hits and punctuated the end of the seventh and eighth innings with key strikeouts. The Pirates and Cubs are battling for playoff spots, and as of now are ranked 1-2 in the National League Wild Card standings. This was a big win for Chicago, which trails Pittsburgh by four games for the top spot. "This is what he does," Maddon said of Lester. "He likes pitching in big games in the latter part of the season. It's not a surprise." What might have surprised some was Lester's throw to first in the third to get Starling Marte, who was caught stealing. Lester's difficulties throwing have been well-documented. "I got the play done," Lester said. "That's all that matters to me." Tuesday was win No. 10 of the season, and there wasn't much more significance for the lefty. "When I signed here, I envisioned winning a World Series, not playing September baseball," Lester said. "Hopefully, we can get to that point." --

Cubs.com 4 Cubs nominated for Esurance MLB Awards By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- Is the Cubs' Kris Bryant the top rookie in the Major Leagues, or is it teammate Kyle Schwarber? How about the best starting pitcher? Cubs fans would definitely vote for Jake Arrieta. Or how about the best everyday player? Bryant, Schwarber, Arrieta and Anthony Rizzo are the Cubs' nominees in the 2015 Esurance MLB Awards, announced Tuesday. Arrieta is nominated in two categories: Best Major Leaguer and Best Starting Pitcher. Rizzo is a candidate for Best Everyday Player, while Bryant and Schwarber are both nominated for Best Rookie. Arrieta will have some tough competition for Best Major Leaguer. Other nominees include the D-backs' Paul Goldschmidt; the Reds' Joey Votto; the Astros' Dallas Keuchel; the Angels' Mike Trout; the Dodgers' Zack Greinke and Clayton Kershaw; the Mets' Yoenis Cespedes; the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen; the Blue Jays' Josh Donaldson and David Price; and the Nationals' Bryce Harper. In the Best Starting Pitcher category, Arrieta -- a 19-game winner so far -- is part of a field that includes Keuchel, Greinke, Kershaw, the Indians' Corey Kluber, the White Sox's Chris Sale, the Mets' Jacob deGrom, the Athletics' Sonny Gray, the Pirates' Gerrit Cole, the Giants' Madison Bumgarner and the Rays' Chris Archer. The Esurance MLB Awards annually honor Major League Baseball's greatest achievements as part of an industry-wide balloting process that includes five components, each of which accounts for 20 percent of the overall vote: media, front-office personnel, retired MLB players, fans at MLB.com and Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) voters. Individual awards will go to the Best Major Leaguer, in addition to the winners in the following categories: The Best Everyday Player, Starting Pitcher, Rookie, Defensive Player, Breakout Player, Bounceback Player, Manager, Executive, Social Media Personality and postseason performer. Winners will also be recognized for the year's best offensive play, defensive play, Moment, single-game performance, Social Media Post, Celebrity Fan, Fan Catch, Interview, TV call, radio call, Player-Fan Interaction, Video Board Moment and Trending Topic. The other candidates for Best Everyday Player challenging Rizzo include Goldschmidt, Votto, Cespedes, McCutchen, Trout, Donaldson, Harper, the Orioles' Manny Machado, the Rockies' Nolan Arenado, the Royals' Lorenzo Cain, the Mariners' Nelson Cruz and the Giants' Buster Posey. Bryant has already established the Cubs' rookie single-season record for most RBIs, and he is one homer away from tying Hall of Famer Billy Williams for most home runs by a rookie. It's a deep class of rookies this year. It includes the Indians' Francisco Lindor; the Astros' Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers; the Dodgers' Joc Pederson; the Twins' Miguel Sano; the Mets' Noah Syndergaard; the Athletics' Billy Burns; the Pirates' Jung Ho Kang; the Giants' Matt Duffy; the Cardinals' Randal Grichuk; and the Blue Jays' Roberto Osuna. Voting will remain open through Nov. 13, which fans can access by visiting mlb.com/awards. Winners will be announced live on MLB Network and MLB.com on Nov. 20. -- Cubs.com Cubs flash grit before dropping opener to Bucs By Carrie Muskat and Tom Singer

PITTSBURGH -- The National League Central race got a little bit tighter -- and the NL Wild Card race became a little looser -- on Tuesday afternoon at PNC Park. Starling Marte's eighth-inning sacrifice fly scored pinch-runner Pedro Florimon from third base, giving the Pirates a 5-4 win over the Cubs in the day portion of a split doubleheader between the division rivals. Pedro Alvarez had led off the inning with a walk off Justin Grimm, and Florimon, running for Alvarez, stole second and advanced to third on catcher Miguel Montero's throwing error. Marte drilled a hard liner on his first at-bat in five days, having been sidelined by a shoulder bruise and a battle with gastroenteritis. "He tried to stay ready in the cage, and there was an opportunity to get him involved on the defensive side, and he showed up well on the offensive side," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said of Marte, who had entered the game defensively in the top of the seventh and was in the Bucs' starting lineup for the night portion of the doubleheader. When Mark Melancon had finished nailing down his club record-tying 46th save, the Bucs had crept to within two games of the NL Central-leading Cardinals, who will play in Milwaukee on Tuesday night. The victory also moved the Pirates, who hold the NL's No. 1 Wild Card spot, five games up on the Cubs, who would be the NL's second Wild Card entrant. "When you start running out of games, there's a different [rhythm] to the season," said Hurdle, whose club moved 31 games above .500 (87-56) for the first time since Sept. 30, 1992. "But it's not like we hit a 'big series' button. I really believe one of the reasons we're having the success is having that focus daily." Pittsburgh starter Gerrit Cole had a 4-1 lead and was working on a string of 11 straight outs before pinch-hitter Tommy La Stella's RBI double chased him one out into the Cubs' game-tying three-run rally in the seventh. Two more runs eventually scored on a pair of wild pitches by reliever Joakim Soria. "Maybe not how you draw it up, but a win's a win, and we need 'em," Cole said. Cubs manager Joe Maddon was not pleased with the miscues, including the late-inning leadoff walk by Grimm and the error by Montero. "When you get to that latter part of the game, we have to do a better job of forcing the other team to beat us as opposed to self-inflicted wounds," Maddon said. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED The wild one (or two): One minute, Cole was sailing toward his 17th win, leading, 4-1, with one out and nobody on in the seventh. The next minute, he was out of the game, still with a 4-2 lead but leaving two men in scoring position. A minute after that, he had a no-decision and the Cubs had forced a 4-4 tie, thanks to the wild pitches by Soria. "I was pulling my arm a little bit, while trying to make quality pitches. In that situation, with the game on the line, you don't want to give 'em a cookie," said Soria, who has thrown five wild pitches in 21 games with the Pirates after throwing none in 43 appearances with Detroit prior to being acquired in a July 31 trade. "I was so glad to see Florimon score that run, then have Mark close it out for us." In a pinch: La Stella provided a spark off the bench in the seventh. The Cubs had two on and one out when La Stella delivered a pinch-hit double to left to chase Cole and cut the deficit to 4-2. Soria took over and threw a wild pitch during Dexter Fowler's at-bat, which allowed one run to score. La Stella then scampered home on Soria's second wild pitch of the inning to tie the game at 4. The wrong field for a hit: Cubs pitcher Trevor Cahill felt pretty good when he led off the fifth inning with a sharp liner off Cole that found grass in right field -- until the ball also found right fielder Gregory Polanco on one hop.

Charging the ball from a shallow position to begin with, Polanco unleashed an 87.3-mph throw, according to Statcast™, that got Cahill at first by several strides. Slow start: Cubs starter Jason Hammel struggled in the first inning, throwing just five of his first 16 pitches for strikes. The Pirates took advantage, scoring three runs. Hammel has given up 17 earned runs in the first inning for a 5.46 ERA. Hammel walked two and hit a batter in the opening frame. He's averaging 3.3 walks per nine innings in the second half of the season after posting only 1.6 walks per nine innings before the All-Star break. The Cubs had the bullpen busy as early as the first. "There were too many uncompetitive pitches today," Hammel said. "It was unacceptable. It was pretty embarrassing the first inning. I was battling myself the whole inning. To give up three runs that inning was actually a pretty good job, because it was pretty embarrassing." QUOTABLE "Walks hurt, wild pitches hurt, errors hurt. It was a hard-fought game, but I think both sides would've liked to have not given away so many runs." – Maddon SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS A day game at PNC Park with Chris Stewart behind the plate is a parlay tough to beat. At home, the Bucs are 17-2 under the sun and 15-1 with Stewart catching. This was the Bucs' 12th consecutive one-run win at home, their longest such streak since they won 13 such games in a row at Three Rivers Stadium in 1977. WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: After the Cubs try to earn a split of the day-night twin bill, Jake Arrieta will try for his 20th win on Wednesday when the Cubs play the third game of their four-game series against the Pirates. The last Cubs 20-game winner? Jon Lieber, who went 20-6 in 2001. Arrieta has thrown 16 consecutive quality starts and is 13-1 with a 1.00 ERA in that stretch. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. CT. Pirates: After wrapping up Tuesday's twin bill, the Bucs will resume their four-game set against the Cubs at 7:05 p.m. ET on Wednesday in PNC Park, handing A.J. Burnett his second start since a stint on the disabled list. -- Cubs.com Arrieta goes for 20th win in showdown with Bucs By Adam Berry Adding personal significance to an already crucial game, Cubs starter Jake Arrieta will try to secure his 20th win of the season against veteran right-hander A.J. Burnett and the Pirates on Wednesday night at PNC Park. As big as win No. 20 would be for Arrieta, every game between the two National League Central rivals is important this time of year. After the clubs split Tuesday's doubleheader, the Pirates maintained their four-game lead over the Cubs in the NL Wild Card standings while keeping the heat on the division-leading Cardinals. An NL Cy Young Award candidate, the 29-year-old Arrieta leads the Majors in wins and is the first Cub to reach 19 victories since Jon Lieber won 20 in 2001. The last Cubs pitcher younger than 30 to win 20 games was Greg Maddux in 1992. While wins and losses are no longer viewed as especially important when evaluating players, the Cubs are still eager to see Arrieta -- who's also one inning shy of 200 with a 1.99 ERA on the year -- reach the 20-win milestone.

"I'm excited every time I see him on the mound. It's exhilarating to watch him out there pitching at such a high level, knowing how hard he worked to get to this point," Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein said. "He always had a lot of natural ability, but he's not a guy who woke up and was a 20-game candidate in the Major Leagues. He really had to go through some tough times and work at his craft. ... Easy guy to root for." Things to know about this game • This is Burnett's second start since his return from a strained flexor tendon in his right arm. He gave up three runs in the first inning of his first start back, then settled down to throw four scoreless innings. • Arrieta has shut down the Pirates this season, going 2-1 with a 0.86 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP over three starts. • After driving in one run Tuesday, Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen increased his season total to 93, four away from setting a new career high. McCutchen drove in 96 runs in 2012. -- Cubs.com First-inning woes continue to dog Hammel By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- Of Jason Hammel's first 16 pitches on Tuesday, only five were strikes. That's not a good ratio. "Obviously, it [ticks] me off," Hammel said after his outing in the Cubs' 5-4 loss to the Pirates in the first game of a doubleheader at PNC Park. "It's your job as a starter to set the tone there, and I haven't done it in a while. I've got to figure it out." The Pirates took advantage and opened a 3-0 lead in the first as Andrew McCutchen hit an RBI single and Travis Snider added a two-run single. The Cubs got the bullpen going in the first inning -- and had someone throwing in the second, third and fourth -- before manager Joe Maddon finally pulled Hammel after he gave up an RBI double to Neil Walker with two outs in the fourth. "His command was not good today -- his command was off," Maddon said of Hammel, who was coming off a win over the Cardinals. Hammel has given up 17 earned runs in the first inning this season for a 5.46 ERA, his worst inning. "There were too many uncompetitive pitches today," Hammel said. "It was unacceptable. It was pretty embarrassing the first inning. I was battling myself the whole inning. To give up three runs that inning was actually a pretty good job, because it was pretty embarrassing." The Cubs were hoping to make a statement in this four-game series against the Pirates, who are closing in on securing home-field advantage as the top National League Wild Card team while putting heat on the division-leading Cardinals. Chicago did rally to tie the game with a three-run seventh but it wasn't enough. It's the sixth time in his last eight starts that Hammel has been unable to finish the sixth. "What I'm doing right now isn't acceptable," Hammel said. "I have to get to work. We're running out of time. I take a lot of pride in my work and everything and, obviously, it's not translating. I can't get down on myself. Outstanding job by the guys to bounce back again today and make a game of it. They've been doing that too often. I need to start pulling my own weight here." --

Cubs.com Key to Cubs' fortunes, Grimm battling control lapse By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- On Saturday, Justin Grimm walked three batters in the seventh inning against the Phillies and all scored, which is exactly what a reliever doesn't want to have happen. Unfortunately for the Cubs, the right-hander issued a leadoff walk in the eighth inning on Tuesday afternoon, which was all the Pirates needed to post a 5-4 victory in the first game of a doubleheader. "It's the walk, the leadoff walk," Grimm said. "It doesn't help the sittuation at all. I'm beating myself, other teams aren't beating me. I'm beating myself." Grimm walked Pedro Alvarez, and pinch-runner Pedro Florimon took over, stealing second and reaching third on a throwing error by catcher Miguel Montero before scoring what would be the game-winner on Starling Marte's sacrifice fly. In his last 10 games, Grimm has walked eight over 8 1/3 innings; he'd walked just two in 14 games during August. The right-hander posted a 1.19 ERA in 28 games in the first half, but he has a 3.27 ERA in 27 games in the second half. "We have to do a better job in the latter part of the game with the bullpen," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "The walks are killing us." Grimm has been one of the Cubs' top setup pitchers. The problem can't be fixed by changing his arm angle. "There's not a thing wrong with him," Maddon said. "It's a thing he has to deal with internally. Physically, he's great. His fastball has good velocity, his curveball is good. It's just a process thing. It's not a mechanical issue. It's just about him going out there and saying, 'Let's go.' I think he's trying to be too fine. He's just got to slow it down and let his stuff work. He's got great stuff." Grimm agreed with Maddon's assessment. "I was aggressive, and of late, it's been too fine, and it's leading to walks, and crucial walks, not just walks," Grimm said. "I've always walked people here and there, but these are crucial walks." The problem isn't mechanics. "You don't want to hand it over to them," Grimm said. "I just have to find my confidence and get my aggressiveness back. I'll be fine. It's just a tough one to swallow, knowing I'm better than that." Grimm is not looking too far ahead. "Right now, I'm trying to finish out strong," Grimm said. "I'll worry about October in October." -- Cubs.com Maddon sees no extra pressure on young Cubs By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- The Cubs are relying on rookies Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber to secure a playoff spot. Being so young may help them. "I don't think they're wrapped up in the fact that they're in this particular moment, they have a chance to make the playoffs and these games are overly critical," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said before the first game of

Tuesday's doubleheader against the National League Wild Card-leading Pirates, a 5-4 Chicago loss. "I think they're out there playing. I'm not recognizing any tightness among any of those guys. I don't see it. We're just fortunate that they're as good as they are at this age." Maddon said the young players should benefit from this kind of experience. "At this point, I don't see the negative; I really don't," Maddon said. • Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler will continue his rehab with Class A Advanced Myrtle Beach, which can clinch the Mills Cup Championship Series with a win on Wednesday. The Pelicans have a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five series. "He'll finish the playoffs down there before you see him," Maddon said. Soler has been sidelined since Aug. 24 with a left oblique strain. -- Cubs.com Theo not taking Cubs' standing for granted By Carrie Muskat PITTSBURGH -- The Cubs began Tuesday with a secure hold on the second National League Wild Card spot, but president of baseball operations Theo Epstein wants to wait until the club clinches a berth before talking about the postseason roster. "Until you get that little 'C' next to your name, nothing's assured," Epstein said on Tuesday. "After living through 2011, I don't take anything for granted. I'm well aware of how momentum in September can take on a life all its own and affect the standings. So it's important to keep focused on that day's game, keep storing your wins and things will be OK. Take care of your own business. That's where we're at right now." In 2011, Epstein was with the Red Sox, who had a half-game lead in the American League East on Sept. 1 but finished in third place and did not make the playoffs. The roster for the NL Wild Card Game presented by Budweiser might be different than what a team would set for a best-of-five series. "There are a lot of options to work with in a Wild Card situation," Epstein said. "I've never been in that before." Does Epstein think Major League Baseball will change its format to shift away from a Wild Card Game? He said the subject has been discussed. "They threw out something a few years ago about maybe two-out-of-three with a doubleheader the first day, because days are at a premium that time of year," Epstein said. "You don't want the teams that win the division having to wait too long and then they get cold. It's not fair to them." That proposal obviously wasn't approved. Epstein said he expected the situation to evolve. "It's fine the way it is now," Epstein said. "You can never come up with a scenario that's perfectly fair to everybody. In a year like this, theoretically, some teams might want it to be reseeded. In another year, that might be a benefit to some team. You've just got to play the hand you're dealt." --

ESPNChicago.com Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta goes for 20th win By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- In this age of sabermetrics and newfound statistics there are still a few numbers that remain meaningful to those in baseball. A hitter who bats .400 is still revered, as is a pitcher who wins 20 games. Chicago Cubs hurler Jake Arrieta attempts to become the first this season to reach that magical number on Wednesday night when he faces the Pittsburgh Pirates. The fact that the game has playoff implications means even more. “Ask any starting pitcher,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon opined on Tuesday. “They live and die by that stuff. Wins are a big deal to starting pitchers. “Historically we always look at the 20-game winners and what that means. On a personal level and historically it has significance.” Arrieta has downplayed the personal statistic but it’s hard to downplay his season to this point. His attempt at his 20th victory will also be one for his 17th straight quality start. The milestones don’t end there. After the first inning on Wednesday Arrieta will have pitched 200 innings in a season for the first time in his career. He’s already surpassed the 200-strikeout plateau, so if he wins 20, according to ESPN Stats and Information, he’ll be the third different Cub to achieve both milestones in the same season and first since Fergie Jenkins did it five times from 1967-1971. Those accomplishments are harder to reach in today’s game. “I think it means more in this day and age with these bullpens,” teammate Kyle Hendricks said. “If you’re struggling a third time through the lineup he’s (the manager) going to get someone up. As it should be.” The biggest compliments Arrieta is getting are from his peers, both inside and outside of the Cubs' clubhouse. His work ethic sets the tone and his reward is a chance at history for a franchise which hasn’t always been known for great pitching. “It’s exhilarating to watch him out there,” Cubs president Theo Epstein said. “He sets a good example for everyone around him. Players, coaches, managers, front office (all) see someone like that. It’s the kind of mindset we want to see in this organization. He’s someone to root for.” In Epstein’s estimation Arrieta’s rise as an elite pitcher is even more special due to his previous struggles. It was just two seasons ago he had a 4.78 ERA. “He always had a lot of natural ability, but he’s not a guy who woke up and was a 20-game candidate in the major leagues,” Epstein said. “He had to go through some tough times and work at his craft.” His opponent Wednesday isn’t taking the field simply to play spoiler. There’s real meaning to the game, as the Pirates try to put the Cubs in their rearview mirror once and for all. It won’t be easy, as Arrieta hasn't lost since July 25. “I wasn’t aware but we know he’s had a good year so far,” Pirates infielder Neil Walker said. “We know how good he is. That much we know. “Everything he throws moves one way or another. It’s difficult to simplify things when he has all those pitches going.” So with that backdrop Arrieta will take the mound sporting a 0.93 ERA since the all-star break, including a no-hitter last month. All eyes will be on the Cubs righty.

“He’s going to go in with the same mind-set,” Hendricks said. “We all get into grooves, but his groove is different than all of ours. He’s so locked in right now. If we go out there and get him that win and then come back in this clubhouse it will be crazy for sure.” -- ESPNChicago.com Cubs starter Jon Lester raises his game By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- Chicago Cubs pitcher Jon Lester claims he doesn't change anything at this time of year but no one believes his production elevates by coincidence. Lester threw his first complete game this season and even picked off a baserunner in the Cubs' dramatic 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday night. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and earned the Cubs a split of the doubleheader. It also reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 12 while improving Lester's regular-season record in September and October to a nifty 26-11. "If there was a magic formula I think you would try and share that with all your teammates," Lester said after the game. "I always feel better in the second half of the year, both with stuff and physically." Lester's "stuff" was dynamic on Tuesday as he struck out nine, including Pirates hitters to end the seventh, eighth and ninth innings. He gave up five hits while walking just one. "The thing that I loved was the maintenance of his stuff," manager Joe Maddon said. "He maintained it throughout the entire performance. You could see from the hitter's swings they were not very comfortable." The Cubs haven't played their best baseball over the last few days, as it was veterans not named Lester or Jake Arrieta making mistakes, not the young rookies on the team. In Game 1 of their doubleheader, for example, catcher Miguel Montero threw a ball away which infielder Starlin Castro should have knocked down. And their veteran relievers haven't been sharp lately, either, losing four games on this road trip alone. But Lester has been there, done that. And just when he needed to show the opposition he will indeed make a good throw over to first base, he picked off Starling Marte, who tried to leave early on a steal attempt. "It resembled (former lefty Bears quarterback) Bobby Douglas," Maddon joked. "That's what Bobby would look like throwing to first base. I was a big Bobby Douglas fan when he played for the Bears." As Marte took off, Lester calmly threw over to first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who started a rundown which ended quickly. Remember, Lester was 2-for-3 in pickoff throws that have gone for errors this season, so showing potential playoff opponents he can make the play can't be a bad thing. "He tried to sneak one," Lester said, smiling. "Got the play done. That's all that matters. ... As far as other teams and all that stuff and all the other things that have gone on this year, I'm not too concerned about it. Continue to vary my looks and holds and I might surprise you guys one day with an Andy Pettite move over there and surprise Rizzo a little bit, too." Lester rolled on from there, making the biggest pitch of the night in the seventh inning with men on first and third and no outs while nursing a 2-0 lead. Down 3-1 in the count to Michael Morse, Lester threw a four-seam fastball which Morse grounded to short for a double play, limiting the damage to one run in the inning. Three batters later -- with the home crowd in a frenzy -- he struck out pinch hitter Jung Ho Kang with two more on base. During the whole inning, as Lester put four baserunners on in a tight game, the bullpen didn't flinch. There was no movement. No one warming up. No one even stretching. At that moment you knew this was Lester's game to finish.

"That was the turning point as far as momentum," Lester said of the Morse double play. "I thought after the eighth I was done. I was happy to get the opportunity to [finish] and even better to come through for Joe and the team." One big pitch followed another, yet Lester says he doesn't pitch any differently at this time of year? He can say it, but we don't have to believe it. When he was set to lead off the ninth inning after throwing 105 pitches, no one in the Cubs dugout said a word to him. He grabbed his bat and headed for the on-deck circle still thinking his night was actually done. After all, a 2-1 lead could use some padding and the Cubs are loaded with dangerous hitters on the bench. "I figured they'd grab me if they didn't want me up there," Lester said. Maddon wanted him up there and on the mound in the ninth. By that time, closer Hector Rondon was warming, but Lester would have none of it. He got the first two batters, including Andrew McCutchen, on two pitches. What was he thinking at that point in the game? "Thank you," Lester responded. "Two quick outs really helped." Then catcher Francisco Cervelli struck out looking to cap Lester's big night. It was a masterpiece. But Lester wants more. "When I signed here I envisioned winning a World Series, not just playing September baseball," he said. Maybe that's when he'll admit to raising his game. In fact, he already has. -- ESPNChicago.com Rapid Reaction: Cubs 2, Pirates 1 (Gm 2) By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 in Game 2 of their doubleheader on Tuesday night. Here's a quick look at the outcome. How it happened: The Cubs scored early on Pirates starter J.A. Happ as Anthony Rizzo drove in Austin Jackson, who had doubled, for a 1-0 first inning lead. The Cubs added another run in the fifth as Dexter Fowler doubled home David Ross who had doubled to lead off the inning. The Pirates finally got on the board off of Cubs starter Jon Lester in the seventh as a Michael Morse double-play ball scored Aramis Ramirez. Lester pitched a complete game, striking out nine. What it means: It was a masterful performance by Lester as he improved to 26-11 in regular-season September and October games. The 3-1 pitch to Morse, inducing the double play in the seventh, was the key moment in the game, though Lester had a few other strikeouts with Pirates on base that were big as well. This was the Cubs lefty coming through when they needed him most as the bullpen has been shaky lately. If he was indeed signed for this time of year, as many have claimed, then he's living up to that end of the bargain even if it hasn't always been smooth. It was one of his best performances of the year, if not the best, considering the circumstances. The Cubs' magic number to clinch a playoff spot is now 12. What's next: Game 3 of the series takes place on Wednesday night when Jake Arrieta (19-6, 1.99) takes on A.J. Burnett (8-5, 3.14). --

ESPNChicago.com For Cubs the question remains: 'What about the pitching (depth)?' By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- Let's face it, the Chicago Cubs have a pitching problem. More specifically, a depth problem. As deep as they are in their lineup these days, they're missing the same on the mound -- that includes both the starting rotation and the bullpen. Game 1 of their big series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday afternoon was sloppy on both ends, but the Cubs had a chance to steal a game in which Pirates ace Gerrit Cole started. Instead, tied 4-4 in the eighth inning, reliever Justin Grimm walked the leadoff man, who eventually scored the game winner. "When we get to the latter part of the game, we have to do a better job of forcing the other team to beat us instead of self-inflicted wounds," manager Joe Maddon said after the 5-4 loss. Grimm, in particular, needs to stop hurting himself with little paper cuts in the form of free passes, which are starting to become the norm for him. He had a three-walk outing over the weekend and then walked Pedro Alvarez on Tuesday before a stolen base and error by catcher Miguel Montero put the winning run on third. A sacrifice fly brought him home. "I'm beating myself," Grimm said. "Teams aren't beating me, I'm beating myself." But it's not just Grimm. After starter Dan Haren struggled on Sunday, Jason Hammel followed him Tuesday with an equally mediocre performance, giving up three runs in the first inning, erasing the Cubs' early lead. "Too many uncompetitive pitches today," Hammel said. "It's just unacceptable. It was pretty embarrassing, that first inning. I was battling myself the whole inning." So for the second consecutive game, a back-end rotation starter faltered early, the Cubs tied it and then the bullpen gave it away. Three games ago, they got decent outings from Travis Wood and Trevor Cahill, but again the bullpen faltered late. In fact, the Cubs have been tied or leading in the seventh inning or later in every game they've lost on this road trip. Beginning to see a pattern here? "We've lost that game several times recently," Maddon said. "The walks are killing us." The Cubs might have enough to get to October -- their lead for the second wild-card spot is down to 6 1/2 games going into Game 2 on Tuesday night -- but if they advance to a best-of-five or seven-game playoff series, they'll need more pitching. Jake Arrieta can't start -- and finish -- every game. "It's your job as a starter to set the tone out there," Hammel said. "I haven't done it in a while. I have to figure it out." Hammel's 5.11 second-half ERA is even worse than last year's 4.31 post All-Star break mark. He says he's healthy, but something is going on early in games, where he has a 6.75 first-inning ERA this year. Hammel provided no answers for the problem but knows he has to get better -- and fast. "We're running out of time," Hammel said. "I need to start pulling my own weight here." So does the bullpen. Grimm is just the most recent pitcher with a target on his back. Pedro Strop pitched a clean seventh inning, but he's allowed 46 percent of inherited runners to score this year. And there are probably plenty who are nervous when closer Hector Rondon enters a game, but in truth he's probably had the most consistent stuff of them all this year. Could the Cubs go to Cahill or Clayton Richard more? Maybe, but that might be asking them to step outside of what they're capable of. There are no easy answers here.

"I'll be fine, but it's a tough one to swallow knowing I'm better than that," Grimm said. "I have to find my confidence before we head into October." He's not the only one. -- ESPNChicago.com Rapid Reaction: Pirates 5, Cubs 4 By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- The Chicago Cubs lost 5-4 to the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 of a doubleheader on Tuesday. Here is a quick look at the outcome. How it happened: The winning run scored on a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning after Justin Grimm walked leadoff hitter Pedro Alvarez. Pinch runner Pedro Florimon then stole second and went to third on a bad throw by catcher Miguel Montero. The Cubs tied it 4-4 in the seventh on two wild pitches by reliever Joakim Soria allowing Starlin Castro and Tommy La Stella to score. Minutes earlier, La Stella came off the bench to deliver a run-scoring double and knock Pirates starter Gerrit Cole out of the game. The Cubs took a 1-0 first-inning lead after a stolen base and error allowed Dexter Fowler to reach third. He came home on a Chris Coghlan sacrifice fly. The Pirates responded with three in the bottom of the first as Cubs starter Jason Hammel wasn’t sharp. Andrew McCutchen and Travis Snider had the RBIs in the inning. Hammel lasted only 3 2/3 innings giving up five hits and three walks. What it means: Back-end starting pitching concerns have popped up again as Dan Haren and Hammel were below average in back-to-back starts. Hammel is the much bigger concern, as he would be part of a playoff rotation. He has a 6.75 ERA in the first inning this season, after giving up three runs in the first inning Tuesday. Any progress he’s made this second half has been followed by a step backward. The bullpen, led by Grimm, continues struggle in close games. His walks have hurt, and it’s not helping that Montero isn’t as sharp as he could be behind the plate. The winning runs over the past two games have come in part because of a wild pitch and a throwing error by the catcher. The Cubs' magic number remains at 13, but they have fallen five games behind Pittsburgh for the first wild card in the National League. What’s next: Game 2 of the series is Tuesday evening when Jon Lester (9-10, 3.50) takes on J.A. Happ (5-1, 1.79). -- ESPNChicago.com Theo Epstein: Cubs' front office should remain intact By Jesse Rogers PITTSBURGH -- Chicago Cubs president Theo Epstein doesn’t expect to lose any of his front office personnel to better jobs this offseason despite the team’s success. "We have a pretty tight-knit group," Epstein said before the Cubs played the Pirates on Tuesday. "This is a great time to be a Chicago Cub, whether you’re in uniform or in the front office." There will undoubtedly be more overtures for Senior Vice President of Player Development and Amateur Scouting Jason McLeod, but he’s already turned down interviews for general manager jobs. The feeling is he wants to see things through in Chicago first. "I expect us to stay together for a while," Epstein said.

Sometime opportunities don’t come back around, but the consensus is if the Cubs continue to succeed there will be plenty of people calling for McLeod and others in the coming years. As for Epstein, his contract runs through 2016. "It’s literally not a thought in my mind," he said of an extension. "We’ll probably pick that up when we’re done playing whenever that is. I have no concerns ... We all know this is the beginnings for this organization and we all want to see it through." -- CSNChicago.com This is nice for Cubs, but Jon Lester signed up to win World Series By Patrick Mooney PITTSBURGH — This is why the Cubs gave Jon Lester $155 million guaranteed — to pitch in big games, give their young players more confidence/attitude and ultimately lead this team into October. Lester took care of business in Tuesday night’s 2-1 Game 2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, salvaging a split of this huge doubleheader at PNC Park. He pumped his fist at the end of this complete-game performance — and then quickly came down from the emotional high by the time reporters surrounded his locker. Sure, this is nice. The Cubs reduced their playoff magic number to 12 and stayed within four games of the Pirates for home-field advantage in the National League’s wild-card game. But Lester earned two championship rings with the Boston Red Sox, so in terms of expectations for the first season of this six-year deal megadeal ... “When I signed here, I envisioned winning a World Series,” Lester said. “Not just playing September baseball. Hopefully, we can get to that point and we can talk about that a little more.” That looks more realistic when the Cubs have Lester or Jake Arrieta on the mound, a 1-2 playoff punch that might be as good as any other combination in the game. Manager Joe Maddon noticed Lester still throwing 94 mph in the eighth inning, and the lefty got Andrew McCutchen and Aramis Ramirez to swing at first pitches in the ninth for two quick outs. Lester froze Francisco Cervelli with a 94-mph fastball — his 111th pitch — to end the game with his ninth strikeout. “This is what he does,” Maddon said. “He likes pitching in big games in the latter part of the season. It’s not a surprise.” In the moment, the Cubs (83-61) needed Lester (10-10, 3.38 ERA) to give the bullpen a break and stop a three-game losing streak. Big picture, the franchise needed someone to anchor the rotation and set an example for being a professional and handling the big stage. “(I) prepare the same way (for) an April start as I do in September or October,” Lester said. “If there’s a magic formula or whatever, I think everybody would try to share that with all your teammates. I don’t know. I always feel better the second half of the year, both with stuff and physically.” Since Lester’s issues with throwing over to first baseman Anthony Rizzo and controlling the running game have been so publicized, it’s only fair to also mention that he initiated a 1-3-4-3 to pick off Starling Marte, ending the third inning. “He picked himself off,” Lester said. “He tried to sneak one, and the infield did a good job (with) that rundown. He’s such a good athlete. He can turn and move and he’s fast. “As far as other teams and all that stuff and all the other things that have gone on this year, I’m not too concerned about it. I’ll continue to try to vary my looks and holds.

"And I may surprise you guys one day with just like an Andy Pettitte move over there — and maybe surprise Rizz a little bit, too.” Lester doesn’t appear to get defensive or too stressed out, and the Cubs also looked much sharper defensively in Game 2, whether it was Kris Bryant crashing into the right-field wall to make a leaping catch or shortstop Addison Russell gliding to his left and flipping the ball to Starlin Castro to start a key double play that limited the Pirates to one run in the seventh inning or Javier Baez seemingly getting to everything over at third base. That’s what the Cubs will need if they return to this beautiful waterfront stadium on Oct. 7 in a win-or-else situation. Arrieta and Lester can take it from there. -- CSNChicago.com Scott Boras knows what 20 wins could mean for Cubs and Jake Arrieta By Patrick Mooney PITTSBURGH — Roughly 48 hours before Jake Arrieta threw a no-hitter, Scott Boras sat in his Dodger Stadium luxury suite with a smirk on his face. The super-agent raised both his hands in the air and made the “W” and “L” signs with his fingers, preparing to answer a question about what 20 wins could mean for the Cubs and Jake Arrieta. “Hi, Mr. Owner, how are you?” Boras said. “Is your last name going to begin with ‘W’ or ‘L?’ Because those are the only two alphabets of owners. So, 20 wins, thank you very much.” Arrieta will go for No. 20 on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park (6:05 p.m. on CSN), trying to reduce his team’s playoff magic number and make his case for the National League’s Cy Young Award. The win means different things to different people, whether you are a card-carrying member of SABR — or someone who views the analytics crowd as helicopter heads — or a regular baseball fan who doesn’t get into random arguments with strangers on Twitter. Or the game’s most powerful agent. As Boras launched into his sales pitch — Arrieta isn’t positioned to become a free agent until after the 2017 season — he noticed one of the two Chicago reporters sitting on the couch. “You’re laughing at me because you understand I’ve been through these (before),” Boras said in late August. “These guys sit on the edge of their chair (when) you get down to it and the (difference between) 93 vs. 88 (wins). “You’ve got to figure out a way to get your team to the win. So when people say to me an evaluation of value — it may not be the final metric — but I’m telling you: (For) the people that own these teams, it is the metric.” In a long and winding conversation, Boras also stressed the idea of a pitching odometer. Arrieta is at 199 this season and will reach the 200-inning mark for the first time in his career. Boras compared Arrieta to Max Scherzer, who reportedly turned down a six-year, $144 million offer to extend with the Detroit Tigers before getting a seven-year, $210 million megadeal from the Washington Nationals last winter. Jon Lester, a three-time All-Star, won two World Series rings with the Boston Red Sox, but even he didn’t have a 20-win season on his resume when the Cubs handed him a six-year, $155 million contract. “All these pundits have said it’s a false read, this and that, whatever,” Boras said. “The reality of it is, if a guy goes to the ballpark (and) knows the 34 times that guy’s pitching, our team’s going to win 28 of ‘em — whether or not he gets the win — I want him on the mound.

“Because I got that — what? — I got that feeling. And I think that’s what Jake brings to the ballpark now. The Cubs all of a sudden are sitting there going: ‘Wow!’ “Now the components of Jake on the mound and this team and the management of the game — you put those three things together, and they’re turning (it around) and getting that done. That’s what owners look at.” The Cubs don’t need to be in a rush and will probably prioritize allocating their resources toward another frontline pitcher, someone to go 1-2-3 with Arrieta and Lester in a potentially devastating playoff rotation. Boras likes to steer his clients onto the open market anyway. The Cubs are 21-8 in games started by Arrieta and have around a .539 winning percentage for the rest of this season. “I go in and (say): ‘Hey, this guy hits the post,’” Boras said. “Boom! He’s an 80-percent guy. I don’t talk wins. I talk — what? — your team’s winning 80 percent of the time he hits the hill. Now everybody else is 52 percent. Why are you paying him money? Because he’s going to do that. “Granted, there’s offense coordinated with that. There’s defense, so many factors that are unrelated to the starter. But it’s the general theme of the team and your fan base. Because you’re selling tickets. “If your fan base knows that they’re going to come to the ballpark and watch him pitch — and they got a good chance to win — that’s a good day for a fan. I’m buying a ticket that day. Because I want to go watch my team win.” Arrieta (1.99 ERA) and Boras both recognize Chicago is where all this natural talent finally clicked into place — to go along with intellectual curiosity and an obsession with physical fitness — after that franchise-altering trade with the Baltimore Orioles in the middle of the 2013 season. Now 20 wins is within reach. “It’s hard to do,” Arrieta said. “There’s so many variables that have to kind of add up for that to happen. You have to pitch well. Your team has to get you runs. You got to play good defense. You can’t have many off nights. It means that consistently you’re going out there and you’re doing things the right way. “It speaks of consistency, of a competitive nature, not giving in regardless of the situation and trying to win for the team. That’s the mindset — and it’s worked out to where I’ve gotten quite a few of them.” -- CSNChicago.com October issues for Cubs exposed in Game 1 loss to Pirates By Patrick Mooney PITTSBURGH – All these issues will be magnified in October. The Cubs didn’t measure up to the Pittsburgh Pirates in this potential playoff preview, unraveling in the eighth inning of a 5-4 Game 1 loss and exposing their trouble spots during Tuesday’s doubleheader at PNC Park. “There’s a lot of gifted runs in that game both ways,” manager Joe Maddon said afterward. “When you get to that latter part of the game, we have to do a better job of forcing the other team to beat us — as opposed to self-inflicted wounds.” For all of their talented young hitters and good clubhouse vibes, the Cubs weren’t built as a defense-first team and that farm system hasn’t produced enough impact pitchers yet to diversify the bullpen.

The Pirates didn’t play a perfect game, but they quickly capitalized when Justin Grimm gave up a leadoff walk to Pedro Alvarez in the eighth inning. Pinch-runner Pedro Florimon stole second base and hustled to third when Miguel Montero’s throw bounced past Starlin Castro into center field. That went down as an error for the veteran catcher and Florimon scored the go-ahead run on Starling Marte’s sacrifice fly. “I’m beating myself,” Grimm said. “The other teams aren’t beating me. I’m beating myself.” Just like that, the Cubs wasted the four runs they manufactured against Gerrit Cole, the stud right-hander lined up for the National League’s wild-card game on Oct. 7 (unless the Pirates catch the St. Louis Cardinals). The Cubs have built a relentless American League-style lineup that will keep gathering intelligence on Cole, the No. 1 overall pick out of UCLA in the 2011 draft. Cole pitched into the seventh inning before turning the game over to Joakim Soria, who threw two wild pitches, allowing Castro and Tommy La Stella to score the game-tying runs. But the Cubs know that power pitching plays in October, and they have question marks at the back of the rotation beyond Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta, not to mention a bullpen that’s been trying to cover up for those issues pretty much all season. Jason Hammel appeared to be in trouble from the start, walking two batters and hitting another in a three-run first inning. Hammel walked off the mound with two outs in the fourth and the Cubs already trailing 4-1, not the way to begin a doubleheader against a team that’s 30 games over .500. “Pretty embarrassing,” Hammel said. “It pisses me off. I’m a starter – set the tone – and I haven’t done it in awhile. I got to figure it out. “What I’m doing right now isn’t acceptable. So I got to get to work and we’re running out of time. I take a lot of pride in my work and right now it’s not translating. “Outstanding job with the guys to bounce back and make a game of it. But they’ve been doing that too often. I need to start pulling my own weight here.” The Cubs built up enough of a cushion that they shouldn’t collapse down the stretch. But there will be nowhere to hide in a one-game playoff. Grimm (3-5, 2.22 ERA) has been such a huge piece to this bullpen, a reason why the Cubs are positioned for the playoffs. But there’s always a price to be paid. The line from his last 10 appearances: 8.1 innings, 12 runs (6 earned), 8 hits, 8 walks. “I just got to find my confidence and get my aggressiveness back,” Grimm said. “Right now, I’m just trying to finish out strong and then worry about October in October.” -- CSNChicago.com Cubs: How Theo Epstein would fix the wild-card format By Patrick Mooney PITTSBURGH — Theo Epstein doesn’t know exactly what the ideal wild-card format would be from one year to the next. Because even the Cubs president of baseball operations had to laugh and admit: “It depends whatever our self-interest is.” But Epstein would like to see something similar to Tuesday’s scene at PNC Park — a doubleheader to kick off a best-of-three playoff series.

“That got rejected” when Epstein proposed the idea to general managers during their offseason meetings. So the Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates — two teams on pace to win around 190 games combined this year — will likely have their seasons come down to nine innings on Oct. 7. “I know the one game is really good for TV,” Epstein said. “But maybe there’s other ways to appeal to TV, give them a little more substance to that round of the playoffs.” Epstein’s plan — “I threw out something a few years ago” — would schedule the doubleheader for the first day of the series with October’s sense of urgency in mind. “You don’t want the teams that win the division to have to wait too long and then get cold,” Epstein said. “It’s not fair to them.” This figures to be an issue for Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred and the players union with the labor deal set to expire after the 2016 season. “Honestly, I’m not just kissing up here,” Epstein said. “But I think the commissioner and his people have a really good feel for sort of how to appeal to people and also what’s fair and what respects the integrity of the regular season. “They’re open-minded. So I would expect that it evolves over the years, maybe in the next CBA. But it’s fine the way it is now. You can never come up with a scenario that is perfectly fair to everybody. “In a year like this, theoretically, some teams might want to be reseeded. In another year, that might be a benefit to you. So you just got to kind of play the hand you’re dealt.” -- CSNChicago.com Long-term deal for Theo Epstein can wait with Cubs in playoff race By Patrick Mooney PITTSBURGH – Theo Epstein could be in position to reset the market for baseball executives as the Cubs potentially turn into a monster franchise. But with one year left on his deal after this season, Epstein again confirmed that he hasn’t had any substantial talks with chairman Tom Ricketts about a long-term extension. “Literally not even a thought in my mind,” Epstein said before Tuesday’s doubleheader showdown against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. “I think it’s just something that we’ll probably pick up when we’re done playing, whenever that is. “I have no concerns or worries about it whatsoever. Tom and I see things the same way. We know this is a beginning for this organization. We all want to see it through.” While working within the franchise’s financial parameters, Epstein appreciates the way Ricketts lets him run the baseball-operations department without interference. Ricketts also has an interest in scouting and player development and a personal presence around the organization that does not go unnoticed by staffers. Ricketts already extended president of business operations Crane Kenney – who is responsible for securing the team’s television future and overseeing the Wrigley Field renovations – through the 2019 season. Andrew Friedman – another bright, young executive who views players as assets and still values old-school scouting – figures to be a reference point for Epstein. The Los Angeles Dodgers lured Friedman away from the Tampa Bay Rays last year with a reported five-year, $35 million contract.

Epstein doesn’t anticipate a major front-office shakeup, which would seemingly discount the possibility of Jason McLeod becoming a general manager somewhere else this offseason. Epstein and McLeod have been tight since the early stages of their baseball careers, working for the San Diego Padres in the mid-1990s. McLeod – the senior vice president of scouting and player development – has been a strong voice for drafting first-round picks like Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber. “We have a pretty tight-knit group,” Epstein said. “This is a great time to be a Chicago Cub, whether you’re in uniform or in the front office. I don’t really worry about losing people. “But if we do, I think we have a really deep organization. There’s another layer ready to step up. We have some depth in the front office. We’re a great team in the front office. And I expect us to stay together for awhile.” Epstein left the Boston Red Sox for a president’s title and a direct report to ownership in Chicago after an epic collapse at the end of the 2011 season. Those Red Sox of fried-chicken-and-beer fame had been 30 games over .500 on Sept. 3 – in second place in the American League East and nine games up on Joe Maddon’s Rays – and didn’t make the playoffs. So while the postseason forecasts on Baseball Prospectus (98.4 percent) and FanGraphs (99.3 percent) projected the Cubs as locks before Tuesday’s doubleheader, Epstein said he isn’t working hard on the roster for a wild-card game yet. “After living through 2011, I don’t take anything for granted,” Epstein said. “I’m well aware of how momentum in September can take on a life all its own and effect the standings. “It’s important to just keep focused on that day’s game, keep knocking out your wins, storing them and things will be OK if you just take care of your own business.” After writing off three major-league seasons (286 losses), firing three managers (Mike Quade, Dale Sveum, Rick Renteria) and planning so much around the future, Epstein is going to try to sit back and enjoy the moment. “The nucleus of the team is in place now and going to be together for awhile,” Epstein said. “It’s obviously a process of many years to try to build the organization into a position to where we can have the requisite talent and depth and makeup – and the right people – to try to compete and play your best baseball at the time when it matters most. “We’re partway along in that journey. And then the cool part is you get to all be together and write the next chapter.” -- Chicago Tribune Javier Baez's defense at 3B expands Cubs' playoff roster options By Mark Gonzales Javier Baez came through the Chicago Cubs’ system as a shortstop before moving to second base last season. And Tuesday night, Baez showed that he’s capable of playing major league caliber third base with ease –which could help him and the Cubs when they start to sort their playoff roster possibilities. Baez’s most impressive play was a slow grounder that he charged and fielded with his bare right hand and made an accurate, off-balance throw to first base to retire Michael Morse of the Pirates to end the third inning. “That almost was like the old Brooks Robinson, Graig Nettles kind of thing, where you look at the ball and then throw it to first base without any stress is outstanding,” manager Joe Maddon said.

Versatility is a major consideration, especially for Maddon. Kris Bryant, the Cubs’ starting third baseman, played right and made a catch against the right field fence to rob Andrew McCutchen of an extra base hit to end the sixth. But Baez presents an interesting case because of his defensive prowess around the infield and that he’s showing major improvement at the plate. “You know he can play in the middle and play defense,” Maddon said of Baez as a playoff option. “It depends on your pitcher and their pitcher.” Baez, meanwhile, showed impressive instincts by saying he knew he had no chance of retiring Morse if he fielded the grounder with his glove and tried to transfer the ball to his right hand. “I feel good at third base and I thought it was going to be weird, but I’m seeing the ball off the bat very well,” Baez said. “I do everything left-handed (except throw and bat). I’m just really good at it, I guess.” Baez also sported a face guard at the plate to protect his face. “I had dental work, and I want to protect my mouth before anything happens. I don’t want to wait to get hit before I protect it.” -- Chicago Tribune Jon Lester's gem snaps Cubs skid after Jason Hammel struggles By Mark Gonzales PITTSBURGH — Jon Lester preserved the Cubs' inconsistent bullpen Tuesday night, and Jake Arrieta will try to become the franchise's first 20-game winner Wednesday night in 14 seasons. As for the others in the rotation, Jason Hammel spoke for himself but best summed up the state of the rest of the pitching staff. "I need to start pulling my own weight here," Hammel said before Lester pitched a five-hit complete game as the Cubs (83-61) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over the Pirates (87-57) to salvage a split of their doubleheader. Lester's 111-pitch performance alleviated much stress after Hammel's first-inning struggles continued in a 5-4 loss in the first game. Lester enabled the Cubs to regain a semblance of momentum as they try to catch the Pirates for the first of two wild-card spots in the National League with 18 games left. "When I signed here, I envisioned winning the World Series and not just playing September baseball," Lester said. "Hopefully we can get to that point and talk about it a little more." Lester (10-10) provided plenty of positive thoughts as he retired nine of 10 batters at one point and struck out pinch-hitter Jung Ho Kang with the tying run at second to stop a Pirates rally in the seventh. Lester also appreciated Andrew McCutchen and Aramis Ramirez swinging at first pitches to start the ninth that resulted in outs. "Thank you," said Lester, who wasn't expecting Ramirez to swing at the next pitch after McCutchen grounded to short for the first out. In the first game, the Cubs rallied for three runs in the seventh to tie the game after Hammel put stress on the rest of the pitching staff by issuing two walks and hitting a batter during a three-run first that manager Joe Maddon described as the "deciding component." It also extended a disturbing trend in which Hammel has issued 11 of his 39 walks in the first inning. That has contributed to a 5.46 ERA in the first.

"Too many uncompetitive pitches," said Hammel, who threw only 14 of 28 pitches for strikes in the first and was pulled after 32/3 innings. "It was unacceptable. It was pretty embarrassing in the first inning, just battling myself the whole inning. To give up three earned runs was a pretty good job, because it was pretty embarrassing." With the playoffs looming, Hammel knows he needs to show improvement to ease the mind of team officials should the Cubs reach the playoffs and win the wild-card game. "What I'm doing right now isn't acceptable," Hammel said. "I've got to get to work. We're running out of time." The Cubs, however, can feel confident that Arrieta — who likely would face Game 1 starter Gerrit Cole in the NL wild-card game in Pittsburgh on Oct. 7 — aims for his 20th victory. "We have to get there to the playoffs, first of all," Maddon said. "Then you have two guys (Lester and Arrieta) who are able to pitch those kind of games in a five-game (NL Division Series). It's very important, obviously." Arrieta has a chance to become the Cubs' first 20-game winner since Jon Lieber (20-6) in 2001. "When a guy gets that opportunity and eventually does that, that's something you can never take away from that particular guy," Maddon said. -- Chicago Tribune Joe Maddon: Jon Lester's pickoff resurrects memories of Bobby Douglass By Mark Gonzales Manager Joe Maddon had an unusual way of describing Jon Lester’s pickoff move that enabled him to catch Starlin Marte off first base for the final out of the third inning in the Chicago Cubs’ 2-1 win Tuesday night over the Pittsburgh Pirates. “I thought it resembled Bobby Douglass,” Maddon said in comparing Lester to Douglass, a strong but erratic passer for the Bears in the 1970s who made four forgettable appearances for Triple-A Iowa in 1979. “Stepping off (the pitching rubber), that’s what Bobby would look like throwing to first base. I was a big fan. He was strong and ran. That’s where I was at.” Maddon didn’t mention that Douglass walked 13 in only seven innings covering four appearances for Triple-A Iowa in 1979. All humor aside, the biggest development was that Lester varied his times to home plate with a runner at first and actually caught Marte leaving too early. “(Marte) picked himself off,” Lester said. “He tried to sneak one. The infield did a good job of getting him in that rundown. (Marte) is a good athlete and can run and turn (quickly). Getting him out was big, especially with (Andrew) McCutchen up.” Lester, whose reluctance to throw to first base has been well-documented, didn’t dwell deep on the fact that he actually picked off a base runner. “I got the play done, so that’s all that matters,” Lester said. “As far as other teams and all the other things that have gone on, I’m not too concerned about it.

“I’ll continue to vary my looks and holds, and I may surprise you guys with an Andy Pettitte move and surprise (first baseman) Anthony Rizzo.” -- Chicago Tribune Pirates further advanced than Cubs but in one-game playoff -- who knows By Paul Sullivan PITTSBURGH — The Cubs got another look at Pirates ace Gerrit Cole on Tuesday afternoon at PNC Park, and the Pirates will face Jake Arrieta on Wednesday night. If the status quo exists three weeks from now, Cole and Arrieta likely will go head to head here in a one-game National League wild-card playoff. In the words of Chris Coghlan, it's their stud against the Cubs' stud. "Jake's a good pitcher, the Cubs are tough," Cole said after the Pirates' 5-4 victory in Game 1. "They battled early, they battled late. But I'm not thinking about them. We're not even thinking about the wild card." There are no reasons they should. After splitting the doubleheader with the Cubs, the Pirates are closing in on the first-place Cardinals. The Cubs are a mere afterthought, Arrieta or no Arrieta. "He's doing a good job for them, that's for sure," center fielder Andrew McCutchen said. "And they're doing a good job. We just need to keep winning and stay ahead of them. We're going to keep focusing on us." Let's be honest. The Pirates are a better team than the Cubs, with more experience and a better bullpen. They're also the best team in baseball since May 9. As strange as it sounds, maybe facing the Cardinals in the wild-card game would be a better scenario for the Cubs. Either way, no one should scare the Cubs in a one-game, do-or-die matchup with Arrieta on the mound. He has been the game's best pitcher since the All-Star break, and whenever he starts his teammates feel as though they can't lose. Cole, of course, is no slouch either. He delivered for the Pirates in a 61/3-inning outing in Game 1, striking out eight and leaving with a 4-2 lead in the seventh only to see reliever Joakim Soria allow both of his inherited baserunners to score on wild pitches. The Cubs' best hitters — Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Kyle Schwarber — combined to go 0-for-9 with four strikeouts against Cole, three for Bryant. That's not going to cut it in the playoffs, as we saw the last time the Cubs made it in 2008, when Aramis Ramirez and Alfonso Soriano went 3-for-24 with no RBIs in the Dodgers' sweep. A winner-take-all showdown may seem unfair after a 162-game schedule, and Cubs President Theo Epstein said he has argued for a best-of-three wild-card format he believes will come to fruition down the road. But no one was crying about the format before the season, and no one is complaining now. "It's fine the way it is now," Epstein said of the format. "You can never come up with a scenario that's perfectly fair to everybody. In a year like this, theoretically, teams might want to be reseeded. But in another year that might be a benefit to you. You just have to play the hand you're dealt." The Cubs will be underdogs whether they play the Pirates or the Cardinals.

But manager Joe Maddon said playing in the best division in baseball has been beneficial to their growth. Maddon's Rays teams learned how to win in the American League East when that division ruled. "Our young guys will get better quicker," he said. "And then when they arrive, they'll be better longer because of it." Of course, even if the Pirates do pass the Cardinals, they realize they still could face the Cubs in the NL Division Series. "Anything in this game is possible," McCutchen said. "I know they're not going to take it easy on us. The first game (Tuesday), definitely you could see it. They're not going to give in." No one is overlooking the Cubs, who obviously have the talent and just need to play better in crunch time. The Pirates were in the Cubs' shoes two years ago but still haven't advanced past the NLDS in their two postseason appearances under manager Clint Hurdle. "They're going to figure it out," Hurdle said of the Cubs. "It's the beauty of where we were a few years ago. … They have a really good leadership group that has a lot of experience in these situations and kind of provides direction. "This is the fun part of the year for everybody, and you learn each day." -- Chicago Tribune Cubs appear to have complete package for wooing free agents By Mark Gonzales A lucrative national contract, a newly renovated Wrigley Field and the potential for a paradigm shift with a new television contract down the road should bolster the Cubs pursuit of marquee free agents such as David Price and Jordan Zimmermann. And the crystallization of President Theo Epstein's master plan could sway even mid-tier free agents who can fortify a young nucleus as the club strives for sustained success. "The biggest thing is the product on the field," said Jon Lester, who signed with the Cubs in December on a six-year, $155 million contract. He added that the faith Epstein and his staff expressed in the future helped sway him. "All this (other) stuff was nice to hear about when I went through the clubhouse. 'Wow, we're getting a new clubhouse, a new plaza, a new look at the bleachers.' "That stuff is nice, but you're attracting the wrong people if that's what you're concerned about. My biggest concern was 'Are we going to be contenders? Are we going to win? Are we going to have the people here to do that?' That's what attracted me. The other stuff was an added bonus." It didn't hurt that the Cubs signed David Ross, Lester's catcher for his final 11/2 seasons with the Red Sox, to a two-year, $5 million contract. Shortly before Lester made his decision, pitcher Jason Hammel re-signed with the Cubs, less than six months after the Cubs traded him and then-No. 1 starter Jeff Samardzija to the Athletics in their final significant dump-off trade. Basically, everyone had seen (the rebuilding before) last year," Hammel recalled. "It was rebuild, rebuild, rebuild. But last year, there were some good things done. You actually could see work coming to fruition. That's why I came back. It was a simple decision."

After Samardzija and Hammel were dealt, the Cubs started auditioning some of their prospects — such as Kyle Hendricks and Javier Baez — while Jake Arrieta was ascending as a front-line pitcher and Kris Bryant was putting the finishing touches on a dominant minor-league season. The quicker-than-expected climb of rookies Addison Russell, Kyle Schwarber and Bryant have accelerated expectations and could enable the Cubs to add free agent parts for the finishing touches on a playoff contender without stunting the development of their next wave of talent. "It certainly won't hurt to get a dedicated workout room and a place to park your car," said former Cubs announcer Bob Brenly. "Those are some of the things you take for granted at other parks. It can't hurt getting free agents (in Chicago). "But what's going to get free agents is the winning atmosphere and a manager (Joe Maddon) who has a good grasp of what he's doing. (There's a) word of mouth among players." The Cubs' success and Maddon's popularity can't hurt them in attracting a leadoff batter if Dexter Fowler leaves for a more lucrative contract via free agency and/or if they seek another veteran left-handed hitting outfielder to push right fielder Jorge Soler. Center fielder Denard Span, who was limited to 61 games with the Nationals this season because of injuries, fits the profile of a potential free agent signing who could look to give his career a boost while Cubs prospect Albert Almora spends another year getting seasoning in the minors. Or they could try to re-sign Austin Jackson, as well as pursue super utility player Ben Zobrist, a favorite of Maddon's from their days with the Rays. Meanwhile, Lester's history with Epstein convinced him the Cubs can mirror what Red Sox did during Epstein's tenure. "I went through it as a minor leaguer and not being drafted by them (in 2002)," said Lester, who played an instrumental role in the Red Sox's World Series titles in 2007 and 2013. "I was lucky just to stay around. He put us core guys together along with guys mixed in. He built what the Red Sox are and were, so I got to see it. For him to lay it out and hear how they went about doing it probably was very similar to here. "I can see the resemblance, and that helps. I can put my finger on what he did." -- Chicago Tribune Cubs reliever Justin Grimm grim as he searches for lost control By Mark Gonzales Manager Joe Maddon quipped as recently as last weekend that right-hander Justin Grimm was the Cubs' best left-handed reliever. But the usually reliable Grimm, who showed a knack in the past to work out of jams with a 97 mph fastball and overhand curve, is in search of his suddenly elusive control. A leadoff walk to Pedro Alvarez to start the eighth inning led to a 5-4 loss Tuesday to the Pirates in the first game of a doubleheader. "I'm beating myself," said Grimm, who issued three walks Sunday in the seventh inning of a 7-5 loss in Philadelphia. "The other teams aren't beating me."

Until last weekend, Grimm had been as effective as he has been versatile, sometimes entering as early as the fifth inning to get starters out of jams. Grimm had struck out 58 while walking only 17 in 43 innings before Sunday and was one of the most reliable relievers in an unpredictable bullpen. His Game 1 flare-up was frustrating to the Cubs, who overcame a 4-1 deficit with three runs in the seventh. "I just have to find my confidence and get my aggressiveness back," Grimm said. "I'll be fine, but this one is tough knowing I'm better than that." Grimm issued three consecutive balls to Alvarez but threw two strikes before losing him to a walk. Pinch-runner Pedro Florimon stole second, advanced to third on catcher Miguel Montero's throwing error and scored on Starling Marte's sacrifice fly. "We've lost that (type of) game several times recently," Maddon said. "We have to do a better job in the latter part of the game with the bullpen. The walks are killing us." No looking back: President Theo Epstein said he has no regrets about not making more moves before Sept. 1. "Some of the guys we added along the way are playing meaningful roles and complement what we have," Epstein said. "Obviously, the nucleus of the team is in place and going to be together for a while." Soler re-evaluation: Right fielder Jorge Soler, who is recovering from a sore left oblique, will be re-evaluated after playing Wednesday night for Class A Myrtle Beach in the third game of the Carolina League playoffs. -- Chicago Tribune Playoffs would cure Starlin Castro's curse By Mark Gonzales Despite losing his starting shortstop position last month, Starlin Castro has plenty to look forward to with the Chicago Cubs in the midst of trying to secure a National League playoff berth. Should the Cubs reach the playoffs, Castro no longer would be on a top 10 list of active players who never made a playoff appearance. "It would be really awesome," said Castro, who played in his 875th game in the second game of a doubleheader Tuesday night. "Not just for me, but the whole team. For me to be on bad teams all the time and now winning some games, it's awesome. I can't wait for that moment." Alex Rios has played 1,675 games without appearing in a post-season game - most among active players. The late great Ernie Banks holds the major league record with 2,528 games without appearing in a post-season game. For Castro, his drought seems as long as Banks because the Cubs finished fifth in the National League Central in each of his first five seasons before pushing for a likely playoff berth this season. "My first year (2010) we kept losing games, and it was a tough year," Castro. "But that's in the past. We're happy to be winning." -- Chicago Tribune No departures anticipated in Cubs' front office By Mark Gonzales Success often results in departures of front office members to higher ranking jobs in other organizations.

But President Theo Epstein intimated that his cabinet seems extremely content and excited about the future of the Cubs. "I think we have a very tight-knit group, and this is a great time to be a Chicago Cub, whether you’re in a uniform or in the front office," Epstein said Tuesday. "I don’t really worry about losing people. But if we do, I think we have a very deep organization with another layer ready to step up. We have depth in the front office, but I think we’re a great team in the front office and I expect us to stay together for a while." Last summer, Jason McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president of scouting and player development, withdrew his name from consideration for the vacant general manager's job in San Diego. And John Morosi of Fox Sports mentioned assisant GM Shiraz Rehman as a candidate for the Seattle Mariners' GM vacancy. As for Epstein, who will be completing the fourth year of a five-year contract, there's no rush to discuss an extension with Chairman Tom Ricketts. "Not even a thought in my mind," Epstein said. "It’s something we’ll probably pick up when we’re done playing, whenever that is. But I have no concerns or worries about it whatsoever. "Tom and I see things the same way. We know this is the beginning for this organization, and we all want to see it through." Epstein's leverage is helped by the fact that his master plan for sustained success is crystallizing and that the Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a five-year, $35 million contract for Andrew Friedman to be their president of baseball operations last fall. -- Chicago Tribune Theo Epstein discusses the one-game wild card format By Paul Sullivan The fairness of having a one-game wild-card playoff has been debated since baseball expanded the postseason from eight to 10 teams in 2012. On one hand, it stresses the importance of finishing first in the division and avoiding the wild-card game. On the other hand, a team’s entire season can go down the drain because of one bad pitch or mishap in the field. One of the reasons for the one-game playoff is baseball doesn’t want to push the World Series too far into November. Will they ever change the format and go to a best-of-three series? “It’s come up, a lot of different scenarios (have been) bandied about,” Cubs President Theo Epstein said. “I know the one game is really good for TV, but maybe there are other ways to appeal to TV and give a little more substance to that round in the playoffs.” The Cubs would be in OK position in a one-game playoff because they have the hottest pitcher in baseball, Jake Arrieta, lined up to pitch for them, whether it’s against the Pirates or the Cardinals. I asked Epstein if he’d prefer having a best-of-three playoff instead of the current format. “It depends on whatever our self-interest is, honestly,” he said. “We threw out something a few years ago about making it a two out of three, but with a doubleheader the first day because days are at a premium that time of

year, and you don’t want the teams that win the division to have to wait too long and then get cold. It’s not fair to them. That didn’t pass. It got rejected. “But we’ll see. I think honestly, not just kissing up here, but the commissioner (Rob Manfred) and his people have a really good feel for how to appeal to TV and also what’s fair, what respects the integrity of the regular season. And they’re open-minded. So I would expect that it evolves over the years, maybe in the next (collective bargaining agreement). “It’s fine the way it is now. You can never come up with a scenario that’s perfectly fair to everybody. In a year like this, theoretically, teams might want to be re-seeded, but in another year that might be a benefit to you. You’ve just got to kind of play the hand you’re dealt.” -- Chicago Tribune Cubs' Theo Epstein still haunted by 2011 collapse By Mark Gonzales The memory of losing nine of the final 12 games serves as a painful reminded for President Theo Epstein, who said he and his staff members haven't started to discuss the wild card roster and won't until a National League playoff berth is secured. "Until you get the little 'c' (representing clinched playoff berth) next to your name in the standings, nothing is assured," Epstein said Tuesday before his Chicago Cubs lost the first game of a doubleheader at Pittsburgh. Epstein, then the general manager of the Boston Red Sox, saw his team drop nine of their final 12 games to lose out on a playoff berth on the final night of the 2011 season. Epstein left for the Cubs one month later. "After living through 2011, I don’t take anything for granted," Epstein said. "I’m aware of how momentum in September can take on a life of its own and affect the standings, so it’s important to keep focused on that day’s game, keep knocking your wins, storing them, and take care of your own business and things will be OK," Epstein said. The Cubs' magic number for a playoff berth is 13, meaning any combination of Cubs wins and San Francisco losses would assure the Cubs of a playoff berth. "There are a lot of options to work with in a one-game situation," Epstein said. "I've never been in that (situation) before." If the season ended Tuesday, the Cubs would visit the Pirates in a one-game wild card playoff to advance to the National League Division Series. -- Chicago Tribune Tuesday's Game 2 recap: Cubs 2, Pirates 1 By Paul Sullivan Despite striking out 13 times, the Cubs beat the Pirates 2-1 in the nightcap of their doubleheader Tuesday night at PNC Park to earn a split. Jon Lester improved to 10-10 with a complete-game performance. On the mound Lester allowed one run on five hits with nine strikeouts. With the tying run on second and two outs in the seventh, Lester struck out Jung Ho Kang to end the threat. It was his first complete game of the year and 12th of his career.

At the plate Anthony Rizzo, in a 1-for-19 skid entering the game, singled home Austin Jackson in the first to give the Cubs the lead. Dexter Fowler's RBI double made it 2-0 in the fifth. Kris Bryant was 0-for-7 with five strikeouts in the doubleheader. In the field Lester picked Starling Marte off first base to end the third. Javier Baez put on a fielding clinic at third base with several dazzling plays, including a barehanded stop and off-balance throw to retire Michael Morse to end the fourth. Addison Russell and Starlin Castro pulled off a slick double play in the seventh. The quote "I always feel better the second half of the year, physically and with my stuff." — Lester The quote II "I'm not recognizing any kind of tightness among any of those guys. I don't see it." — manager Joe Maddon Up next At Pirates, Wednesday, 6:05 p.m., CSN. -- Chicago Tribune Tuesday's Game 1 recap: Pirates 5, Cubs 4 By Mark Gonzales The Cubs rallied for three runs in the seventh inning, but reliever Justin Grimm walked Pedro Alvarez to start the eighth and pinch-runner Pedro Florimon scored the winning run on Starling Castro’s sacrifice fly in the Pirates 5-4 victory in the first game of Tuesday doubleheader at PNC Park. At the plate Gerrit Cole retired 11 consecutive batters with five strikeouts before Miguel Montero singled to start the three-run rally with one out in the seventh. Pinch-hitter Tommy La Stella hit an RBI double to knock out Cole. Kris Bryant struck out three times against Cole. On the mound Jason Hammel issued two walks and hit a batter during a three-run first that led to his departure in the fourth. Trevor Cahill took over and pitched two innings of one-hit ball. In the field Shortstop Addison Russell leaped to rob Jung Ho Kang of a hit to end the seventh. Kyle Schwarber made his first appearance in right field in the eighth. Key at-bat Grimm’s walk to Alvarez was costly, as he fell behind 3-0 before working the count full but still walked him. Key number

2 — Career pinch hits for La Stella. The quote “It was a really hard-fought game. But when you get to that latter part of the game, you have to force the other team to beat us, as opposed to self-inflicted wounds.” — Cubs manager Joe Maddon -- Chicago Sun-Times Jon Lester pitches a fall classic for Cubs in big win over Bucs By Gordon Wittenmyer PITTSBURGH – This is what $155 million worth of free agent pitcher looks like in a pennant race. A complete game against one of the top teams in baseball to win 2-1 and snap a three-game mini-skid on the road. That was the Cubs’ Jon Lester on Tuesday night in the second game of a doubleheader against a Pittsburgh Pirates team the Cubs might have to beat in a one-game playoff three weeks from now just to get a shot at an actual series in the playoffs. If Jake Arrieta is the new ace of this staff as he tries for a 20th win Wednesday night, Lester is worth remembering as the big, stoic, October-tested left-hander this whole thing was built around when he became team president Theo Epstein’s first mega-money free agent since taking over the Cubs. Lester’s first complete game of the season comes in the start the Cubs might have needed it most, with their bullpen struggling and playoff position at play with every game against division rivals Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Lester’s previous start? Seven dominant innings against the Cardinals in which he allowed one run and retired 20 of the last 21 he faced – and lost only because of an eighth-inning bullpen collapse. “This is what he does,” said manager Joe Maddon – the man who stood in a hotel lobby during the winter meetings in San Diego last December and called Lester’s signing a “winning the lottery.: “He likes pitching in big games in the latter part of the season. It’s not a surprise.” Maybe not, considering this is a guy with two World Series rings, 14 postseason starts and a 3-0 record and 0.43 ERA in three World Series starts. If not a surprise, maybe a message. If not a message, maybe a statement. The Pirates had taken a five-game lead over the Cubs in the race for home-field advantage in the Oct. 7 wild-card game by winning 5-4 in Tuesday’s opening game – with designs on trying to catch the Cardinals for the division title. The Pirates got within two games of the Cards before losing the nightcap. Lester said he doesn’t know about messages, or about anything being different for him when the leaves start to turn in the fall. “I always feel better the second half of the year, both with stuff and physically,” he said. “I don’t know. If I knew I’d be able to share it a little bit more.” What he does know is that a victory in Pittsburgh in the middle of September – no matter how big for morale or playoff position – is not what he envisioned when the Cubs made their pitch to him during his free agency tour last winter.

“When I signed here I envisioned winning a World Series, not just playing September baseball,” he said. “Hopefully we can get to that point and we can talk about that a little bit more. “It was just a good atmosphere tonight. It was loud. They were into it. Fortunately we played good baseball and got the two across and were able to hold on to it.” Lester gave up one single the first time through the lineup, two singles the second time through and didn’t give up a run until the fourth hit he allowed – leading off the seventh – turned came around to score on another single and a double play ball. He retired the final seven he faced, including four strikeouts. As big as anything might have been the pickoff of Starling Marte in the third inning – considering all the troubles and “yips” issues he has had all season. Marte jumped early, and Lester stepped off and threw an easy throw to Rizzo, who eventually made the tag after a brief rundown. “The biggest thing with him about that is mentally,” Maddon said. “He actually does it really well in practice. Just when he gets comfortable in a game that will really be a big boon to his own personal psyche in that moment.” Not to mention the wrinkle on opponents scouting reports it adds. “It’s good. It was good,” Lester said. “Got the play done. That’s all that matters. As far as other teams and all that stuff, and all the other things that have gone on this year, I’m not too concerned about it. I’ll continue to try to vary my looks and holds. “I may surprise you guys one day with just like an Andy Pettitte move over there. And maybe surprise Rizz a little bit too. What won’t surprise anyone in the organization is that the Cubs might take the top 1-2 rotation punch this side of Los Angeles into the postseason. “We’ve got to get there first of all,” Maddon said. “And then you’ve got two guys that are able to pitch thosekind of games in a five-game series. It’s very important obviously. “As much as anything, it’s good for Jon just for his own mind, that fact that he did pick somebody off, that he did finish really strong. I think moving forward it’s a big moment for him and for us.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Bad memories of chicken-and-beer collapse slow Theo's playoff planning now By Gordon Wittenmyer PITTSBURGH — Despite a hefty lead for a playoff berth and just three weeks left in the season, team president Theo Epstein says he’s not ready to design playoff roster plans yet. “After living through 2011, I don’t take anything for granted, and I’m well aware of how momentum in September can take on a life of all its own and affect the standings,” said Epstein, who was the general manager in Boston when the Red Sox collapsed down the stretch just ahead of his hiring in Chicago. The Red Sox were in first place by 1½ games and held a nine-game lead over third-place Tampa Bay on Sept. 1 before losing 20 of their final 27 games during that “chicken-and-beer” collapse and missing the playoffs.

“So it’s important to just keep focused on that day’s game, keep notching your wins, storing them, and things will be OK,” Epstein said. “Just take care of your own business.” The Cubs had a 7½-game lead over the San Francisco Giants — their nearest rival for the NL’s second wild-card berth — entering play Tuesday. -- Chicago Sun-Times One-and-done? Cubs proposed 3-game, 2-day wild-card format By Gordon Wittenmyer PITTSBURGH – If Cubs team president Theo Epstein had his way, Tuesday’s doubleheader in Pittsburgh would be a sneak preview of the wild-card playoff in more ways than one. If the season ended now, the Cubs and Pirates would play in a loser-out wild-card game in Pittsburgh to advance to the Division Series. During a meeting of major league general managers in a recent off-season, Epstein proposed making the wild-card format a three-game series with the first two played as a doubleheader. “I know the one game is really good for TV, but maybe there’s other ways to appeal to TV, give them a little more substance to that round of the playoffs,” Epstein said before Tuesday’s doubleheader. That’s where the three-game, two-day format would come in, mitigating the chance for a fluke play or inning to determine the end of a team’s 163-game season. “Because days are a premium that time of year, and you don’t want the teams that win the division having to wait too long and then get cold; it’s not fair to them,” Epstein said. “We talked about the doubleheader. That got rejected. But we’ll see. “Honestly, not just kissing up here, I think the commissioner and his people have a really good feel for how to appeal to TV and also what’s fair, what respects the integrity of the regular season,” Epstein said. “They’re open-minded. So I would suspect that it would evolve over the years, maybe in the next [collective bargaining agreement]. “But it’s fine the way it is now. You can never come up with a scenario that’s perfectly fair to everybody.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Theo Epstein expects front office to remain intact despite rumors By Gordon Wittenmyer PITTSBURGH – His top player development executive keeps getting mentioned publicly almost every time a potential general manager opening is discussed. Some of his other front office executives have been touted as emerging GM candidates. But Cubs president Theo Epstein said Tuesday he believes the club’s upper management team will survive its 2015 success intact as it plans improvements into 2016. “I think we have a pretty tight-knit group, and this is a great time be a Chicago Cub, whether you’re in uniform of in the front office,” Epstein said before Tuesday’s doubleheader against the Pirates at PNC Park. “I don’t really worry about losing people. But if we do, I think we have a really deep organization, that there’s another layer ready to step up. We have some depth in the front office.

“But I think that we’re a great team in the front office, and I expect us to stay together for a while.” Jason McLeod, the team’s senior vice president for scouting and player development, said something similar last month when asked about rumored interest in him by other teams. “This place is special,” McLeod said. “We’re winning, and it’s exciting, and a lot of our younger guys are up here, and we have a lot of work to do still. That’s where our focus is.” One of the keys to the front office’s stability is Epstein’s status. His original five-year contract with the club expires next year, and he said there have been no substantive discussions with chairman Tom Ricketts about an extension – no discussions at all in the last several months. But Epstein doesn’t seem to be wasting time or sweat on the issue, even after constructing a team that’s closing in on a playoff berth a year earlier than even some of the more optimistic projections within the organization. “It’s literally not even a thought in my mind,” Epstein said. “It’s just something we’ll probably pick up when we’re done playing, whenever that is.” This almost two years after his counterpart on the business side, Crane Kenney, signed a five-year extension, despite trailing the baseball side with a business plan that was designed to sync up with spending needs once the team became competitive. “I have no concerns or worries about it whatsoever,” Epstein said. “Tom and I see things the same way. We know this is the beginning for this organization, and we all want to see it through.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Stink preview: Cubs lose on ugly eighth vs. likely playoff foe By Gordon Wittenmyer PITTSBURGH – If this is what the playoffs are going to look like, the Cubs are going to need an awful lot of Jake Arrieta. And maybe some help. “We’ve lost that game several times recently,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said after the Cubs survived Pirates ace Gerrit Cole only to lose 5-4 on a leadoff walk and mistakes in the eighth inning of the first game of a doubleheader Tuesday. “We have to do a better job in the latter part of the game with the bullpen. The walks are killing us. It really comes down to that.” A bullpen already showing cracks in recent weeks cost the Cubs another close one when struggling Justin Grimm walked Pedro Alvarez leading off the eighth inning. Pinch-runner Pedro Florimon stole second, took third on catcher Miguel Montero’s throwing error and scored on a sacrifice fly. “I’ve just got to find my confidence and get my aggressiveness back,” said Grimm who has walked four in his last two appearances – getting tagged with losses in both. “I’ll be fine. It’s just tough one to swallow, knowing I’m better than that.” By contrast, the Pirates’ late-inning tandem of Tony Watson and Mark Melancon, a shutdown left-right combination, showed what playoff-caliber finishers look like – retiring the final six Cubs, including a pair of ninth-inning strikeouts for Melancon.

If you’re not sure how important late-inning relief is in the postseason, ask the Kansas City Royals, who rode their bullpen all the way to the World Series last year. “It’s huge,” Maddon said. The Cubs – who trailed Pittsburgh by four games for the top wild-card spot entering the game — were playing from behind almost from the beginning. After manufacturing a run off Cole in the top of the first, Cubs starter Jason Hammel threw four straight balls to open the bottom half, hit the second batter and then gave up an RBI single to MVP contender Andrew McCutchen. By the end of the inning the Cubs trailed 3-1. “It was pretty embarrassing that first inning,” Hammel said, “literally just battling myself the whole inning. To give up three runs that inning was actually a pretty good job because it was pretty embarrassing.” Hammel, who regained a semblance of command in the second, couldn’t make it through the fourth. But it’s his first innings (5.46 ERA) that have bedeviled Hammel since the All-Star break (allowing runs in seven of 11 opening innings). “Obviously, it pisses me off,” said Hammel, who was coming off a strong outing to beat the Cardinals in St. Louis. “It’s your job as a starter to set the tone there, and I haven’t done it in a while. I’ve got to figure it out. “What I’m doing right now isn’t acceptable. So I’ve got to get to work. I’m running out of time.” Asked if Hammel’s status in a playoff rotation was under review pending his last few starts, Maddon said the way he views his No. 3 starter hasn’t changed – though with little depth to the rotation he may have little choice. “It’s fastball command. It’s always been that way with him,” Maddon said. “When he knows where his fastball’s going, he pitches really well.” Besides, when it comes to Pittsburgh, in what’s expected to be a one-game, loser-out playoff game, Hammel isn’t in the equation. That’ll be up to Cy Young contender Jake Arrieta to start. And, maybe, a suddenly spotty bullpen to finish. Grimm understands that as much as anyone in the clubhouse. After allowing 13 walks in his first 45 innings this season (with a 1.24 ERA), Grimm has allowed eight in his last 7 1/3 – with six earned runs plus six unearned runs allowed. “I’m beating myself. The other teams aren’t beating me,” he said. “I was aggressive. As of lately, it’s just been too fine, and it’s leading to walks. Crucial walks. Not just walks. I’ve always walked people here and there. But these are crucial walks. “It’s been a grind the last 10, 15 days, but I don’t forget the person that was aggressive and getting people out early on all year. “Obviously, I’ve just got to find my confidence before we head into October. Right now I’m trying to finish out strong and worry about October in October.” As for beating Cole when it counts, the Cubs seem confident they can do enough to compete there – despite eight strikeouts without a walk by Cole. That included a combined 1-for-8 with five strikeouts from the Cubs’ three big rookies: Kris Bryant, Addison Russell and Kyle Schwarber.

“He threw some pitches that were hittable,” said leadoff man Dexter Fowler who singled and eventually scored the Cubs’ first run on a sacrifice fly. “He hit his spots when he needed to. “But we’ll be all right. We’ll be fine.” --