Washington Nationals: Predictions for Cubs-Nats NLDS

Drew: Nats in 5

The Washington Nationals and Cubs enter the NLDS with two very different backgrounds. Obviously, the Cubs ended their 108-year World Series drought last season. The Nats, on the other hand, have not won a postseason series since returning to DC in 2005.

However, I predict that the Nats’ drought will end this year. I believe that the Nats will beat the Cubs in five games.

Bullpens are extremely important in the postseason, especially in a short series. Since rebuilding their bullpen, the Nats have one of the best bullpens in the league.

The Nats also have an unsung hero in Matt Albers. We all saw the impact Andrew Miller made for the Indians last season, and Albers can play a similar role.

If Albers pitches in a Miller-esque role, it allows Brandon Kintzler, Ryan Madson, and Sean Doolittle to remain in the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings. The three have pitched tremendously in their respective roles, so Albers becomes a crucial member of the bullpen.

Considering the Nats have four solid relievers in the back of the bullpen, they have a superior bullpen to that of the Cubs. Because of this, the Nats bullpen will be able to take over and lead the team to a series win.