How would Cubs fare against Dodgers or Nationals?
As the Chicago Cubs look to claim their first World Series championship since 1908, it's one postseason series down and two more to go.
After dispatching the San Francisco Giants in 4 games and claiming the National League division series, the NL championship series is up next.
The Cubs play either the Washington Nationals or Los Angeles Dodgers in the next round, which opens Saturday at Wrigley Field.
While the Cubs catch some needed rest, the Nationals and Dodgers play the deciding Game 5 of their NLDS series Thursday night at Washington.
Here is a look at both teams from the Cubs' point of view:
Nationals
Pros: The Cubs were 4-2 against Washington during the regular season, and swept a key four-game series against the Nats at Wrigley in early May.
Beating an opponent four straight times is impressive, but not impossible. Much more notable in the series was the Cubs walking Washington slugger Bryce Harper 13 times, a major-league record.
The Nationals are playing in the postseason without star catcher Wilson Ramos, who injured his right knee in late September and had surgery.
Starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been out since early September with a partially torn tendon in his right elbow. He's been throwing bullpen sessions and might be ready for the NLCS, but Strasburg wouldn't figure to be much of a factor after such a long layoff.
Cons: Even without Ramos, the Nats have a much better offense than the Giants. Heading into Game 5 of the NLCS, Washington had four regulars - Jayson Werth, Daniel Murphy, Trea Turner and Ryan Zimmerman - batting over .300. Harper was not hitting well through 4 games in the NLDS, but he had 24 home runs and 86 RBI in the regular season.
San Francisco didn't have an established closer and that proved costly in Game 4 of the NLDS. The Nationals are in much better shape at the end of games with former Pirate Mark Melancon.
Dodgers
Pros: The Cubs were 4-3 vs. Los Angeles this season and were 3-1 at Wrigley.
Like the Nationals, the Dodgers have been dealing with injury issues and they had a staggering seven starting pitchers on the disabled list in late August.
Ace left-hander Clayton Kershaw was out from June 27-Sept. 8 with a herniated disc in his back. He's returned to Los Angeles' rotation and started 2 games against Washington in the NLDS.
The Dodgers' offense didn't do much in the first four games of the NLDS, averaging 3.75 runs per game while batting .221. Rookie shortstop Corey Seager, who hit .308 with 26 homers and 72 RBI in the regular season, is 3-for-18 heading into Game 5 against the Nats, although two of those hits cleared the fences.
Cons: Kershaw would be lined up to start Game 2 and 5 or 6, if necessary. He has struggled throughout his career in the postseason (3-6, 4.83 ERA) but is still one of baseball's top starters.
Like Washington, Los Angeles has some power with Seager, Justin Turner, Adrian Gonzalez and Joc Pederson.
Closer Kenley Jansen was struggling in the NLDS heading into Game 5, but he tied for second in the league with 47 saves during the regular season.