Well, the Angels lost the first game of their series to Kansas City, who may be replacing the Pirates as the "destiny" team. And the Orioles looked awfully good chewing up the superior pitching of the Tigers in their first game.
The Nationals are called a "complete team," excellent in all phases of the game, starting with starting pitching. Based on the season, they do have a definite advantage over the Giants. Gone (for now) are the days of dominating Matt Cain (injured) and Tim Lincecum (who will likely be in the bullpen.) Bumgarner is the Giants' ace, and he won't pitch again until the 3rd of five games.
Jake Peavy gets the first game start Friday, with the former wonder boy Strasburg getting his first postseason start for the Nats. After Peavy, there's a falling off in quality starters for the Giants. Petit has pitched well, at times brilliantly, since he's become a starter late in the year. Tim Hudson is scheduled for the second game--he's been brilliant during the season but in recent games he's been uncomfortably hittable. He's facing Jordan Zimmerman, who pitched a no-hitter his last game. So it's pretty important for the Giants to win the first game.
As for Lincecum, I have a feeling we're going to see him in this series, probably if a starter falters. He did relief work in the 2012 postseason I believe, and did very well.
This is the early game--it'll be high noon around here.
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