Cubs face stiff test from Washington Nationals

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The 2017 MLB playoffs offer a number of interesting match ups.  None are more interesting than the Chicago Cubs- Washington Nationals.  Both teams are stacked with talent and have high profile managers who have a lot of playoff experience behind them.  In the past the Cubs have played with a dark cloud over their heads, but with their 2016 world series championship that is no longer the case.  So with no further ado, he is a breakdown of the Cubs – Nats series. 

Catching:  Willson Contreras is the headliner for the Cubs while Matt Weiters sees most the action for the Nats.  Contreras has a lively bat and hits with power.  He also has a great arm which could be tested by the Nats.  Especially since Cubs starters Jon Lester and Jake Arrieta have issues with controlling the running game.  Contreras wins the match up over Weiters, plus the Cubs have more depth at this position.  Edge:  Cubs 

Infield:  Both infields are gifted offensively.  If anything, the offensive edge might go to the Nats by virtue of Daniel Murphy's bat at second.  Defensively, the edge goes to the Cubs.  Particularly on the right side of the infield.  Javy Baez and Addison Russell might be the  best defensive second base – shortstop combo in baseball.  Anthony Rizzo also has a defensive edge over Ryan Zimmerman at first.  Joe Maddon shuffles his players a lot, but look for him to stick with Baez at second during the playoffs.  Edge:  Even 

Outfield:  Bryce Harper of the Nats is the headliner, but he's just back from a knee injury and may still be dealing with rust.  Beyond Harper, the Cubs have the edge.  The Cubs have some guys who hit with power and some guys who can catch the ball.  Unfortunately for the Cubs,  they're not the same guys.  Ian Happ and Kyle Schwarber are power hitters with defensive limitations.  Schwarber in particular can labor out there.  Michael Taylor gets the Nats good speed and defense in center while Jason Werth struggled in left.  The Nats have some nice depth with Brian Goodwin and Adam Lind.  Edge:  Even 

Starting pitching:  So much depends on the health of Max Scherzer. Scherzer is scheduled to start game two of the series.  If he's healthy, the Nats have an edge.  Stephen Strasburg gets the start in game one for the Nats, while Kyle Hendricks gets the call for the Cubs.  The Nats have an edge with the first three starters while the Cubs have a deeper rotation.  Edge:  slight edge Nats 

Relief pitching:  For a good part of the season the Nats had serious bullpen issues, but the addition of Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson have shored it up quite a bit.  Cubs closer, Wade Davis, has strong throughout the season, though he's given up the long ball more than usual.  The Cubs pen, in general, seems to be finishing strong.  Carl Edwards Jr. and Mike Montgomery seem to have Joe Maddon's trust.  Edge:  slight edge Cubs 

Bench:  The Nats have some nice players coming off the bench, but I like Tommy LaStella, John Jay and  Ian Happ more.  Edge:  Cubs 

Manager:  Both Dusty Baker and Joe Maddon have long track records in the playoffs.  Neither has avoided controversy.  Edge: Cubs 

Overall:  Cubs in 5 games.