Chicago Cubs say focus won't waver after NLDS win

CHICAGO -- Tuesday was a time for the Chicago Cubs to celebrate.

On Wednesday, they will get back to work as they prepare for the franchise's first National League Championship Series since 2003.

The Cubs will have to settle on a rotation for the seven-game NLCS, which opens on the road since wild-card entry Chicago is the lowest remaining seed.

As manager Joe Maddon works out the details, one thing he and his players won't deviate from is the process that got them to this point.

"It's even more important right now," said Maddon after the Cubs' 6-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday that wrapped up the National League Division Series in four games. "I can't emphasize this enough, the process is fearless. If you want to go out a little bit wide-eyed and worry about outcomes, you're not going to play as good as you can.

"Don't even worry about the score of the game. That will take care of itself. If you take care of all these smaller components, (the score) will eventually turn in your favor."

Because Chicago closed out St. Louis in four games, Maddon has several options available to him for Game 1 of the NLCS on Saturday against the New York Mets or the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He could bring back the team's NL Cy Young Award candidate, right-hander Jake Arrieta, on the regular four days of rest. Arrieta, who went 22-6 with a 1.77 ERA during the regular season, pitched 5 2/3 innings of four-run ball Monday but got the win as the Cubs beat the Cardinals 8-6 in Game 3.

Another option is left-hander Jon Lester, who went 11-12 with a 3.34 ERA in the regular season. His lone postseason appearance came on Friday, when he allowed three runs in 7 1/3 innings during a 4-0 loss in the NLDS opener.

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who pitched 4 2/3 innings in a no-decision against St. Louis in Game 2, and right-hander Jason Hammel, who lasted just three-plus innings Tuesday in Game, also figure to be in Chicago's NLCS rotation.