The enormous expectations and pressure on the Chicago Cubs might have actually been lessened somewhat by playing the San Francisco Giants in the Division Series. Not because the Giants aren't a worthy opponent; quite the opposite, the Giants are rolling again. They have their own compelling story to tell and this series isn't solely about the Cubs and their bid to win a World Series for the first time in 108 years. The Cubs' quest remains the primary theme of this postseason, but the surge by the Giants -- another masterful performance by the mythical Madison Bumgarner, Bruce Bochy, Jeff Samardzija, Hunter Pence's hair and, from nowhere, Conor Gillaspie's home run -- gives people something else to talk about. That is good for the Cubs.

Here are five questions.

How good is the Cubs' rotation?

So good, that one potential Cy Young winner, Kyle Hendricks, will have to wait until the second game to make his start after Jon Lester. So good, Jake Arrieta, who has gone 40-14 the last two years, won't start until Game 3. So good, John Lackey, who was signed by the Cubs in the offseason to make critical postseason starts, will have to wait until Game 4. Still, there is a minor concern with Arrieta, though not from him. In his last start, he allowed seven earned runs, the second-most runs he's allowed in a start as a Cub. In his last six starts, he went 2-3 with 21 earned runs allowed in 35 2/3 innings. He's healthy and more rested than at this time last year. Maybe he has a great October ahead.

What is the status of the Giants' rotation?