The NL East Champions Washington Nationals will begin their postseason today in DC against the NL West Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Nats won their division on September 24^th, taking a 95-67 record into the playoffs. This is the third time in five years that the Nats have qualified for the playoffs, but have yet to advance to a World Series.

The Dodgers have announced their starting rotation for at least the first three games of the NLDS. They have Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, and Kenta Maeda pitching games 1-3 in that order. The Nats have Max Scherzer pitching game one, and will roll with Tanner Roark in game two. I believe the lineup will go back to normal, but of course either Jose Lobaton or Pedro Severino will have to fill the spot of Wilson Ramos, who is out for the rest of the postseason with a torn ACL.

Fox Sports is predicting that the Dodgers will win the series, claiming that Clayton Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball. Recently, Jayson Werth was asked how Dusty Baker is able to keep the team relaxed. He responded with saying, “There’s no panic in him.” Werth also mentioned, “We’ve been ready to play, but relaxed; having a good time, and ready to win.”

This is a good sign for the Nationals, although they aren’t the favorites, everyone in the ball club seems relaxed and ready for some October baseball.