With four days off between the end of the regular season and the first playoff game, the Cubs had plenty of time to talk about how important it is to get out to a good start.
The time is finally here to move on from all the press conferences and media sessions and go out and play.
At the end of the day, the first game can set a tone in a shortened five-game series, but it's not everything.
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Last year, the Cubs came off the wild-card game feeling invincible and then ran into the Cardinals in St. Louis, where John Lackey shut down a young lineup.
Of course, the Cubs then went on to win three straight games, bouncing the 100-win Cardinals from the postseason.
For the second straight year, the Cubs will throw out Jon Lester as the Game 1 starter in the NLDS and have geared their defense around him, as expected.
MLB
Here is Joe Maddon's complete lineup as the Cubs begin their possible trek toward history:
1. Dexter Fowler - CF
2. Kris Bryant - 3B
3. Anthony Rizzo - 1B
4. Ben Zobrist - LF
5. Addison Russell - SS
6. Jason Heyward - RF
7. Javy Baez - 2B
8. David Ross - C
9. Jon Lester - P
Baez's Gold Glove-caliber skills helps anchor the infield defense while Zobrist moves to the outfield.
[SHOP: Gear up, Cubs fans!]
Bench
Jorge Soler
Chris Coghlan
Tommy La Stella
Willson Contreras
Miguel Montero
Albert Almora Jr.
Bullpen
Aroldis Chapman
Hector Rondon
Pedro Strop
Travis Wood
Mike Montgomery
Carl Edwards Jr.
Justin Grimm