My Team - Nationals at Chicago Cubs

Proposed starters -

Monday: Zimmermann vs Samardzija
Tuesday: Haren vs. Rusin
Wednesday: Ohlendorf vs. Arrieta/TBD
Thursday: Strasburg vs. T. Wood

After a couple of heartbreaking losses in Atlanta, the Nationals go to the "Friendly Confines" of the fabled Wrigley Field. Like a lot of other years, the Cubs are losing (last place in the NL Central). They have some talent, but they just can't get over the hump (again).

There are guys on the roster I really like. Starlin Castro at SS is talented (I know about his losing focus on the pop-up on Sunday, allowing a run to score). He can hit, field and throw. Darwin Barney at 2B is a smooth fielder, but isn't hitting much this year (.591 OPS). Junior Lake in the outfield has physical tools to rival anyone - he just needs experience. Anthony Rizzo at 1B is a good hitter, and supplies some power.

With Wrigley and the winds that sometimes blow out, stats don't always serve as a predictor of what might happen. If the winds are blowing out, it doesn't matter who's pitching or hitting. You can expect a slugfest if that's the case.

Samardzija is still an ace. The rest of the guys mean well and try hard. Hopefully, the wind are blowing in.

For Washington, Ryan Zimmerman is aching (shin). How soon before the team moves him to 1B? If/when that happens, what to say/do about LaRoche and his new contract? Werth is also aching, despite his hot bat. Bernadina is coming up on the end of his time on this team - does he get more at-bats as a replacement? Johnson's time as manager is also coming to a close - who does the team want to fill that slot? There are still things to deal with during this season.

As a Nats' fan, I want a sweep. Fifteen-and-a-half games behind Atlanta? Yep, we're looking at next year. Trying to find some glimmer of hope in a season of disappointment.