World Series Indians 6, Cubs 0
Here's the catch
Cubs unsure who will start behind plate in Game 2
CLEVELAND – One thing is for sure, Jake Arrieta will pitch in the ballpark formerly known as “The Jake” on Tuesday night when the Cubs face the Indians in Game 2 of the World Series.
What's not clear is who will catch the right-hander.
Miguel Montero been behind the plate for both of Arrieta's postseason starts this year, but Cubs manager Joe Maddon said Tuesday he was considering starting rookie Willson Contreras to combat the Indians' running game.
Montero threw out just 11 percent of those who tried to steal against him this season compared to Contreras' 37 percent.
The Indians were fourth in baseball with .81 stolen bases per game.
“The facts are the facts,” Maddon said. “They run, and Willson is one of the best young throwers in the game.
“You have to balance out how comfortable you think Jake's going to be throwing to him versus Miggy.”
Arrieta alluded to controlling the running game as one of the things he's learned in his postseason experience.
Contreras' bat also has been productive during the playoffs, batting .400 with a home run in 20 at-bats going into Tuesday.
Arrieta made his only career start at Progressive Field in 2010 when he was with the Orioles, so he'll be in unfamiliar territory in his first World Series start anyway.
“It's why you play the whole season,” Arrieta said, “to hopefully be in this position to be one of the last two teams standing with an opportunity to win the World Series. … It means a ton.”
Even if it means something a little bit different than Arrieta is used to.
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