Here's an example from former big league GM Jim Bowden: “Even though the Cubs are basically the same team we saw last year – with (Wade) Davis replacing (Aroldis) Chapman and (Jon) Jay replacing (Dexter) Fowler – the fact of the matter is the starting pitching isn’t what it was a year ago,” Bowden said. “We don’t know about (Jake) Arrieta’s hamstring. We’re waiting to see on that. (Kyle) Hendricks certainly has pitched well lately. (Jon) Lester had a good start Saturday, which was a good sign. But the pitching is just not what it was before. So I like the Nationals in this series. I won’t be surprised if it goes to four or five games. I don’t think it’ll be a quick, easy sweep, but this year, the Nationals are the better team."
In theory I agree with a lot of that. The Nationals do have a better pitching staff, and I will panic every time Daniel Murphy comes up, but the National also have one thing that gives me hope. I'll give you a hint. He'll have a toothpick in his mouth.
