The Nationals’ schedule starts:
- 3 games @ Cubs
- 3 games @ Mets
- 4 games vs. Reds
- 4 games vs. Astros
- 3 games vs. Marlins
- 3 games @ Padres
- 3 games @ Dodgers
It’s really pretty favorable. The Reds are awesome offensively, but apart from their recent acquisition Mat Latos, their rotation is mediocre. And the Marlins’ dream team will be a pleasant challenge, especially considering the Nats’ struggles against the Marlins in recent years. But apart from those two teams, the Nats are facing some of what figure to be the worst teams in the National League.
Moral of the story: don’t be surprised and don’t get too excited if the Nationals get to a hot start out of the gate. Their first real challenge will be the first week of May, where they face the D-Backs and prepare for a weekend Phillies invasion in succession on a 6-game homestand. Hopefully a good start will wake up the fanbase to the point where we can push them out entirely (and maybe even begin construction on Nationals Park North).
