Top 5 Most Anticipated Match-ups on the Nationals’ 2015 Schedule

Sep 2, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) scores on a Jorge Soler (not pictured) single against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

2. May 25 – 27 at Chicago Cubs

Both Chicago teams have really made a lot of noise during free agency, and the Nationals will get a shot at the team from the north side of town at the end of May in what could turn out to be an incredibly exciting series with as much “playoff implication” as a series can have prior to the All Star break, which is why this series lands at number two on my list.

The Cubs really look to be a team on the rise. Theo Epstein, the young GM who came to fame through his success with the Red Sox, looks like he may be making a run at another curse. He added Joe Madden to manage the team, which is getting a lot of production out of young stars like Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo, and signed free agents Jason Motte and Jon Lester. These new look Cubs may be a force to contend with in the NL years into the future.

There’s also something special about watching games that are played at Wrigley Field, even on TV. I know Fenway is older, but Wrigley has always struck me as the quintessential baseball stadium. If you’re a Nationals fan and you happen to be in the Windy City, you owe it to yourself to catch a game, especially if you’ve never taken in a game at this fantastic baseball mecca. Seriously, take it from someone who’s had the privilege of going.