Starting pitchers -
Friday: Detwiler versus Samardzija
Saturday: Strasburg versus E. Jackson
Sunday: Gonzalez versus Feldman
(starters subject to change)
In that two-game sweep of Detroit, Washington got solid starting pitching, timely hitting and consistent defense. Jayson Werth is still out with hamstring/gastro virus issues, but the rest of the lineup appears to be gelling.
This weekend, the Nationals host the Chicago Cubs. The Cubs don't have a great record, but there are some competent players on their roster. Former National Alfonso Soriano still has some home run pop, but also is an inconsistent fielder. David DeJesus is a pretty good center fielder who knows his job is to get on base from the top of the order. Starlin Castro has as many physical gifts as any shortstop in baseball. Anthony Rizzo is starting to show the consistent power expected of him in his days as a Red Sox & Padres' farmhand.
On the mound, Jeff Samardzija is the Cubs' ace. This guy, a former Notre Dame wide receiver, has great stuff. He'd be an All-Star regular on a team with a better record. The well-traveled Edwin Jackson (now on his 8th major league team) is a workhorse, but seems to have that one inning where he's hit hard. Scott Feldman (former Ranger) is a similar guy, who's had some moments of success but can be roughed up from time to time. A healthy Nationals' lineup should be able to score on Saturday and Sunday. Friday, runs may be difficult to come by.
I expect Friday's game to be low-scoring. Situational baseball (advancing runners, taking the extra base) will make the difference. Saturday and Sunday will be slugfests. I suspect the Cubs will win a close game on Friday, while the Nationals will "keep the line moving" Saturday and Sunday, getting big wins both days. The Washington offense will come alive Saturday and Sunday, raising the level of optimism around the clubhouse.
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