Chicago Cubs: Now’s the time for a big move in NL Central Division

Chicago Cubs: Here’s a Capitol idea: sweep the Washington Nationals

After three games on the road against the Reds and a team supply of antacid for the chili, the Chicago Cubs land in the Capitol to take on the Washington Nationals.

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Our founding fathers might be ashamed of their team as the Nats currently sit in fourth place in the NL East and seven games back from first place. In their last 10 games, they are 2-8 and at home, they have been particularly vulnerable at 7-11.

The Nats shouldn’t pose as big of a threat to the Cubs as they did last year, where they took four of seven games played.

This season the Cubs bats and bullpen should be able to put away the Nats much more decisively.

If the St. Louis Cardinals still bother you even after the whooping put on by the Cubs at home, then it’s time to stop worrying as the Cardinals will face the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers in the next 10 days.

St. Louis is 4-6 in their last 10 games and two games under .500 away from Busch Stadium. Considering both the Braves and the Rangers games will be on the road, you can expect the Redbirds to, at best, split the next 10 games (5-5). Those five added losses could also add separation between them and the Chicago Cubs.

The Cubs are coming into a really weak part of the schedule over the next 10 days. If manager Joe Maddon can navigate the waters carefully, Chicago may just find themselves six or more games ahead in their division – a notable early season cushion.