More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

5 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) talks to catcher Ivan Rodriguez before a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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• Washington Nationals' right-hander Stephen Strasburg ended his three-inning outing Sunday afternoon with a total 5.0 scoreless innings pitched in 2 starts this Spring over which he's K'd 4, walked 1 and allowed 4 hits, two of them in the first frame of today's game against the St. Louis Cardinals...

• After back-to-back 1-3 putouts on grounders back to the mound from Cards' regulars Skip Schumacher and Felipe Lopez, Strasburg, the no.1 prospect in the Nationals' organization, surrendered a two-out single to the 7th-best prospect in the Cardinals' (according to Baseball America's 2010 rankings) Allen Craig, a 25-year-old IF/OF who hit .322 with 26 HR's and 26 doubles in 122 games last year at Triple-A Memphis in the St. Louis' system. A passed ball with Cardinals' center fielder Colby Rasmus at bat allowed Craig to take second, and a two-out walk gave the 5th overall Cards' prospect David Freese a shot at Strasburg, who dropped a 2-2 curve in over Freese's bat for a swinging K and what was then Strasburg's third scoreless Grapefruit League inning pitched...

After The JUMP...Innings 2-3, and What "They're" Saying About Strasburg's Second Spring Start....

• The second inning started with the Nationals' 21-year-old future ace throwing another pitch by catcher Wil Nieves, and then giving up a leadoff single to 27-year-old outfielder Nick Stavinoha, but Yadier Molina got the cold-hearted 80 mph 0-2 curve from Strasburg for a called strike three, and outfielder Joe Mather sent a grounder out to third for Ryan Zimmerman, who started the 5-4-3 DP with a throw to Adam Kennedy and on to Adam Dunn for 2.0 scoreless innings pitched by the Nats' '09 no.1 overall pick. 

• Tyler Greene popped a full-count pitch out to Adam Dunn in foul territory off first. Skip Schumaker sent a weak grounder out to Adam Kennedy and former Nationals' infielder Felipe Lopez sent a swinging bunt back to Strasburg who threw to first to end his third scoreless. Six grounders, one fly ball out, two K's, 49 pitches to 11 batters, 28 strikes, 7 first pitch strikes, 6 ground outs, 1 pop fly...

• What "They're" Saying...

In an article at the Cardinals' official MLB site, Tim Walters quoted St. Louis' miracle-working Pitching Coach Dave Duncan offering advice to the Nationals' top prospect:

"'Oftentimes, when you get that kind of attention, a lot of people kind of want to put their hands on you, and I think it's the responsibility of the pitching coach to let him know the pitfalls that are out there," Duncan said. "I've read some stuff that he has said, and it sounds like to me like he has his head on pretty good. I think he's probably aware of the potential dangers that are out there.'"

Tony LaRussa, who's headed into his 15th MLB season at the helm in St. Louis, talked to the Nationals' beat writer, MLB.com's Bill Ladson for an article entitled, "Strasburg fans two in three scoreless", where the former major league infielder is quoted stating that Strasburg's "very special":

"'Every bit that's been said about him or written about him, they got it all right. Very special. A lot of guys throw 96. It's where he's throwing it. It's all where it should be, because he's got it all.'"

MASNSports.com's Ben Goessling quoted Strasburg critiquing himself in an article entitled, "Nats vs. Cardinals: Post-game thoughts", where the 21-year-old right-hander says he's, "...just getting more comfortable out there,":

"'I'm still trying to get my mechanics back from having an offseason. I learned a few things out there again. I'm just trying to keep progressing."

Nationals' catcher Wil Nieves liked what he saw from Washington's future ace, as he told MLB.com's Bill Ladson Sunday night in an article entitled, "Strasburg, Nieves becoming capital duo", where the 32-year-old catcher, who's impressed with what he's seen from the Nationals' top prospect, describes what it is he believes caused the first-year pro's early struggles with his control in the first inning on Sunday:

"'He was opening up a little bit. He was cutting everything,' Nieves said. 'I don't know if it was the wind factor. It was pretty bad. His breaking stuff wasn't breaking like it usually does, but then he made an adjustment.'"

And the quote everyone in NatsTown was discussing last night, DC GM Mike Rizzo told MLB.com's Bill Ladson back in the article entitled, "Strasburg fans two in three scoreless", that the $15.1M dollar starter's Opening Day role will not be determined by the young pitcher's arbitration clock:

"'Starting the clock has nothing to do with it,' Rizzo said. 'It's the development of the player -- for the long term success of him and for the franchise. When you are trying to win ballgames, the arbitration clock doesn't enter a general manager's mind.'"

Will Strasburg make another start with the big league club? No announcement yet...

More photos » Nick Wass - AP

Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman let it be known that they weren't concerned aboot the team's Spring Training record. (It's 0-10). Are you? (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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It was DC GM Mike Rizzo and Field Manager Jim Riggleman quoted in the press after loss number eight of eight in Grapefruit League action for the Nationals last Wednesday, with the Washington Post's Adam Kilgore writing in a Nationals Journal article entitled, "Rizzo on Nats' play, Strasburg, Dunn, Guzman" that Mr. Rizzo, "...could care less about the Nationals poor spring start," and quoting the DC GM stating, "'Spring training is spring training,'" while Mr. Riggleman told MLB.com's Bill Ladson in an interview for an article entitled, "Q&A with Jim Riggleman", that though, "...you hate to get caught up in wins and losses since its Spring Training," as a Manager he doesn't, "...care if it's Spring Training or what it is. You don't want to lose ballgames, but you can't manage the game to try to win ballgames." After loss ten of ten today to the Cardinals' Minor League All-Stars, it was the on-field leaders of the team, Adam Dunn and Ryan Zimmerman, who took it upon themselves to set the record straight...

MASNSports.com's Ben Goessling quoted the Nationals' third baseman, recognized by many as the Face of the Franchise©, Ryan Zimmerman telling everyone that the 0-10 Spring Training start is nothing for fans to be concerned about, "If we were 10-0, are you going to say we're going to win the World Series? No. So there you go." The 25-year-old '09 All-Star and Gold Glove/Silver Slugger winner goes on to say that while it's obviously, "...never good to lose. I mean, we don't want to lose. But I don't think anyone here is concerned." Adam Dunn sure isn't, as he told MASN's Mr. Goessling after today's game: 

"'I know it sounds bad, but who cares? I mean, really, who cares about wins and losses, other than people who open up the box score and go, "Oop, Nationals lost again," Dunn said.'"

Right? Cause like Jim Riggleman says, you can't manage to win games in Spring Training, (or else he'd have left Stephen Strasburg in for 7.0 since he's one of the few pitchers throwing strikes), so wins and losses don't mean much at this point, but how about walks? ER allowed? Errors? How about the 138 hits, 97 runs, 94 ER allowed in 10 games while other teams weren't trying to win? How about the fact that Tyler Clippard, who most consider a sure-thing for the twenty-ten bullpen walked 5 today? How about the fact that Sean Burnett's given up 8 hits, 2 walks and 5 ER in 2.0 IP? Tyler Walker so far? Matt Capps? He's not worried about his performance thus far this Spring...Are you worried about any of this?

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

5 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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A two-out walk to Colby Rasmus followed by a 2-2 curve to Cardinals' third baseman David Freese, and Stephen Strasburg gets a swinging strike three to end the top of the first inning of today's game between St. Louis' Cards and Strasburg's Washington Nationals. A leadoff single by Nick Stavinoha started the second, but Strasburg dropped an 0-2 curve on Cards' catcher Yadier Molina, (who let the Umpire know he'd be looking for the same call), and got a DP grounder from St. Louis' outfielder Joe Mather to end his second scoreless inning. Cards' SS Tyler Greene popped a full-count pitch up to Adam Dunn, Skip Schumaker sent a weak grounder out to second, and FLop, former Nats' infielder Felipe Lopez rolled the third out to third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, whose throw to first ended Strasburg's third (3.0) scoreless on the day and fifth scoreless IP on the Spring...

• Strasburg's Line: 3.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K's, 6/1 GO/FO, 49 pitches, 28 strikes (pitch count acc to @washingnats)

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

5 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the second inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, March 9, 2010, in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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• What was the best part of Stephen Strasburg's first start? The 98mph fastball he threw by Detroit Tigers' first baseman Miguel Cabrera for a swinging strike three? Or the cruel full-count curve he dropped on frozen and fooled Detroit infielder Brent Glubach? Was it just the fact that he was finally on TV throwing in a "real" game? Or the fact that everyone who saw it came away impressed in spite of ridiculously high expectations? When will the 21-year-old '09 no. 1 overall pick's turns in the rotation stop being big events? Not yet. Start two of the Stephen Strasburg era takes place this afternoon at 1:05 pm EST live (on the radio if you're not in Viera, Florida), from Space Coast Stadium, the Nationals' spring home, where the Nats will welcome the St. Louis Cardinals, who throw 28-year-old right-hander Adam Wainwright for the first two or three innings of the Sunday afternoon Spring Training matinee...

• No Pujols today according to the Cards' official site...Boo.

BACKPAGE: 

• Strasburg on Strasburg.

• Mr. National Himself. What?

BACKPAGE: 

• Strasburg on Strasburg.

• Strasburg threw 27 pitches, 15 for strikes, had a hard time locating his fastball which was clocked at around 96-98mph, but had better luck with his breaking pitches in the second of 2.0 IP, over which the former SDSU Aztec starter induced three ground ball outs, allowed two singles and recorded two K's in a quick debut outing. Strasburg is reportedly scheduled for three innings pitched this time out. MLB.com's Bill Ladson wrote Saturday night, in an article entitled, "Anticipation high for Strasburg start", that Strasburg's future after tomorrow's start is uncertain, noting that Nationals' Skipper Jim Riggleman, "...indicated the Strasburg could make one more start before the Nationals decide to send him to Minor League camp or keep him in the big leagues." 

• As impressive as Strasburg was in his first start, he told MLB.com's Bill Ladson in an interview conducted earlier this week for article entitled, "Strasburg discusses first start, future", that he wasn't completely satisfied with what he was able to accomplish on the mound in his debut:

"Strasburg:I had a lot of adrenaline going. I really wasn't able to execute pitches the way I wanted to. ... I'll keep going with I've been working on and I will be a lot more relaxed. ... I got my feet wet. I know what it feels like to go out there. I know what it's like to face guys I watched on TV growing up. I have that feeling now, so I just want to build on it."

In his first start of the 2009 season, Strasburg threw 5.2 innings against Bethune-Cookman, allowing 3 hits and 1 ER while striking out 11, walking 2, hitting one batter and throwing a wild pitch. In the second start of his Junior year at San Diego State University, the then-20-year-old starter gave up 5 hits and 2 ER in 6.2 IP over which he walked just 1 batter, while recording 16 K's. The next start it was one walk and 18 K's. There will undoubtedly be a fairly large crowd and a substantial pool of reporters, but Strasburg's second start isn't being broadcast on MASN, MLB.tv and the MLB Network, it'll be covered on radio, but that's it unless you're there to see it in person. Be interesting to see how a relaxed and focused Strasburg deals with the Cardinals' lineup...

• Mr. National Himself. What?

• According to reports earlier this week, it'll be Mr. National Himself Livan Hernandez making his first appearance of the Spring after Strasburg, as the 35-year-old right-hander seeks to earn himself a spot in the Nationals' starting rotation. Signed in late February, the veteran of 14 MLB seasons is coming off a (9-12) 2009 campaign which saw the soft-tossing former Marlin, Giant, Expo, D-Back, Twin, Rockie and Met walk 67 (3.0 BB/9) and strike out 102 (5.0 K/9) in 183.2 IP over which Hernandez posted a 5.44 ERA (76 ERA+, 4.44 FIP). Call the slowest pitch? I say 63 mph...

DC Starting Lineup:

1. Nyjer Morgan - CF
2. Adam Kennedy - 2B
3. Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
4. Adam Dunn - 1B
5. Josh Willingham - LF
6. Elijah Dukes - RF
7. Mike Morse - DH
8. Wil Nieves - C
9. Alberto Gonzalez - SS

• What you'll find below is a Game Thread. Feel free to join in if  you're watching...

Game Time 1:05 pm EST...

More photos » Julie Jacobson - AP

10 months ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Scott Olsen delivers against the New York Mets in the first inning during a Major League Baseball game Friday, April 24, 2009 at Citi Field in New York. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)

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• A HBP (Willie Harris) and a two-out walk (Chris Duncan) were stranded as the Washington Nationals came up empty in the first inning this afternoon. The Houston Astros got to Nats' lefty Scott Olsen right away in the bottom of the frame with Jason Bourgeois tripling off the center field wall and Jeff Keppinger hanging one up in the air that fell in between Nats' center fielder Nyjer Morgan and right fielder Justin Maxwell for an RBI double and a 1-0 lead.

• Ryan Zimmerman was down 0-2 to Astros' right-hander Bud Norris when he launched his second HR of the Spring over Hunter Pence's head in right to tie the game at 1-1. A walk to Chris Duncan gave Josh Willingham a two-out RBI opp, and the Hammer made good on the chance, doubling to left on the first pitch he saw to score Duncan and give the Nationals a 2-1 lead. 

• Scott Olsen gave up the 1 ER in the first, and 4 hits total in 3.0 innings of work. The 26-year-old left-hander recorded 1 K and ended his day on the mound with the lead. Drew Storen started the fourth on the mound with a three-pitch K of Geoff Blum that ended quickly with an 0-2 slider Blum couldn't hold up on. Storen popped up Pedro Feliz, but the wind caused Nats' first baseman Chris Duncan problems, and it dropped in for a one-out hit. A one-out walk put two on for Houston, but Storen popped up Humberto Quintero and got Edwin Maysonet looking to end the fourth. 15 pitches, 11 strikes for Storen, who walks one, strikes out two and allows 1 "hit" in 1.0 IP. 

• Willie Harris started things up for the Nationals in the fifth with a one-out single and a stolen base with Ryan Zimmerman at bat. Astros' pitcher Jeff Fulchino gave up a line-drive-single to Zimmerman, who took second on a ball in the dirt with Chris Duncan up, and Duncan scored Harris with a single up the middle to make it 3-1 DC. Josh Willingham singles, 4-1 Nationals when Zimmerman scores. Fulchino stops it there, retiring Adam Kennedy to end the Nats' fifth.

• Matt Capps got a groundout from the first batter he faced, Jason "Discreet Charm of the" Bourgeois, but gave up a one-out double to Jeff Keppinger in front on Astros' outfielder Hunter Pence, who popped up over first and got a second chance when Chris Duncan muffed his second pop fly of the day. Pence used the opportunity to walk, and Capps gave up fly ball to center by Carlos Lee which Nyjer Morgan caug...dropped. Carlos Lee's safe. Bases loaded one out, but a fly ball to right that Justin Maxwell snags with a diving play and a ground out by Pedro Feliz give Capps a scoreless inning of work.

• Matt Chico gave up a leadoff walk, single and two-run double to the first three hitters he faced in the top of the sixth, but the Nationals' recovering left-hander got a force at third on a grounder to short by Jason Bourgeois and a DP grounder from Jeff Keppinger to end the sixth with a 5-3 Nationals' lead. After the Nationals threatened but failed to score in the top of the seventh, Chico came out for his second inning of work, going to a full count with Hunter Pence and giving up an infield single that bounced off the mound...and it was all down hill from there...Brandon Barnes doubles to score Pence's pinch runner, 5-4 Nationals. Geoff Blum singles in Barnes. 5-5 tie. Pedro Feliz lines one off Ian Desmond's glove at short, two one, 0 outs. Kevin Cash scores one with a double, 6-5 Astros. Chico ends up allowing 7 hits, 6 R, 5 ER as the Astros take the lead, and another run scores on a passed ball from Luis Atilano, who throws his first pitch in the dirt with runners on second and third to make it 7-5 Houston after seven.

• Justin Maxwell started the eighth with a single off Astros' pitcher Yorman Bazardo, who's injured and out after one batter. Ian Desmond will face Samuel Gervacio. Maxwell steals second, takes third when the throw sails and scores on a wild pitch, 7-6 Astros. Ian Desmond flies out. Jamie Burke strikes out. Roger Bernadina grounds out. 7-6 Houston after Sean Burnett pitches a scoreless bottom of the eighth and the Nationals have 3 outs to get one run or they'll start the Spring 0-9. Willie Harris works a one-out walk and moves to third when Eric Bruntlett doubles. Runners on second and third for Mike Morse. Morse grounds out, but a run scores, 7-7 tie.

• Sean Burnett's back out for the bottom of the ninth, and the left-hander gets Kevin Cash swinging to start the frame and then issues a one-out walk to Humberto Quintero, who takes second on a single by Matt Kata and scores the game-winner on a single to left by Jack Shuck. Nationals now 0-9 in games that don't count.

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

5 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg throws during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Washington Nationals' right-hander Stephen Strasburg made his Spring Training debut this afternoon in Viera, Florida's Space Coast Stadium, facing the Detroit Tigers for 2.0 IP in which he threw 27 pitches, 15 of them for strikes, surrendering two singles in the second before he dropped an 81 mph full-count curve on an unsuspecting Tigers' second baseman Brent Blugach, who flinched, thought about it for a second and headed back to the dugout with a backwards K that ended Strasburg's day. MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats) tweeted that, "RHP Stephen Strasburg's first three pitches were clocked at 97, 97 and 98 miles per hour," and in the first inning, according to Mr. Ladson, Strasburg's, "...pitches were clocked no lower than 96 miles per hour."

Pitch by Pitch after the JUMP...mph according to various Tweets...

Strasburg vs Austin Jackson:

1) Fastball low and away - 97mph, 1-0.

2) Fastball outside - 97 mph, 2-0.

3) 2-0 fastball groundout to third, 1 out.

Strasburg vs Clete Thomas:

1) Fastball in the dirt, ball 1-0.

2) Fastball outside

3) 2-0 fastball grounder to second, 2 outs.

Strasburg vs Magglio Ordonez:

1) Fastball - Grounder up the middle from Magglio Ordonez, 1,2,3 first inning.!! STRASBURG!!!

• 2nd Inning:

Strasburg vs Miguel Cabrera:

1) Fastball outside...ball 1.

2) Fastball low...1-1

3) 1-1 bender for a callled strike to Cabrera

4) Bender ball, 2-2 inside.

5) Fastball strike three swinging from Cabrera. 1 out.

Strasburg vs Carlos Guillen: 

1) Fastball grounded to third, 2 outs.

Strasburg vs Don Kelly: 

1) Fastball, ball, 1-0.

2) Fastball low, fouled off, 1-1.

3) 1-1 fastball outside fouled down, 1-2.

4) Curve low, bounces, 2-2.

5) Kelly slices a fastball outside into left for a 2-out single.

Strasburg vs Avila:

1) Fastball low outside

2) Fastball low fouled off

3) 1-1 fastball hit back up the middle for a single. 2 on, 2 out.

Strasburg vs Brent Dlugach: 

1) Fastball outside to Dlughach, 1-0.

2) Fastball outside - 2-0.

3) Fastball high, 3-0.

4) Fastball strike 3-1

5) Fastball, outside corner, called strike, 3-2.

6) Full count curve drops in for strike Three!!!!!

More photos » Pat Sullivan - AP

Washington Nationals' lefty Scott Olsen is set to make his second start of the Spring on Saturday against the Houston Astros on Osceola County Stadium. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

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• The Nationals will be in two places at once on Saturday, as a group of Washington's pitchers will throw in an intrasquad game at home in Space Coast Stadium to get in the necessary work with the recent rainouts, while another group makes the trip to Kissimmee, Florida's Osceola County Stadium, the spring home of the Houston Astros, where left-hander Scott Olsen will make his second Grapefruit League start after surrendering 7 hits, 3 ER and 1 HR last week in his first competitive outing since undergoing surgery to repair a torn left labrum in July of '09. Washington Post writer Adam Kilgore's article on Friday entitled, "Stephen Strasburg in Washington -- in April?" speculates about the possibility of the Nationals' '09 no.1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg starting his first game in the nation's capital in the final exhibition game of the season on April 3rd against the Red Sox in Nationals Park, (Good thing someone here figured that out 11 days ago and convinced me to get a ticket for that game then, cause I think it might get crowded quick once folks read his article) and Mr. Kilgore also provides a list of all the pitchers that will throw after Olsen this afternoon, which includes Drew Storen, Matt Capps, Matt Chico and Sean Burnett. Storen was reportedly scheduled to (but didn't) pitch in each of the last two games the Nationals played before the two rainouts, so the 22-year-old right-hander hasn't taken the mound in a game since last Sunday against New York's Mets. 

DC Starting Lineup...after the JUMP...

DC Starting Lineup...

1. Nyjer Morgan - CF
2. Willie Harris - LF
3. Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
4. Chris Duncan - 1B
5. Josh Willingham - DH
6. Adam Kennedy - 2B
7. Justin Maxwell - RF
8. Ian Desmond - SS
9. Wil "Blocker" Nieves - C

Notes: The Astros are playing two today as well, against the Nationals they're throwing right-hander Bud Norris, a 25-year-old '06 6th Round pick who debuted with Houston last year going (6-3) with a 4.53 ERA in 10 starts, 1 relief appearance and 55.2 IP over which the Greenbrae, California native walked 25 (4.0 BB/9) and struck out 54 (8.7 K/9)

• I got a note from the people who run Spring Training Connection.com, offering to answer any questions that Nationals' fans headed to Spring Training might have, and having looked their Space Coast Stadium page over I thought I'd recommend doing so, since it's actually a ridiculously (in a good way) detailed overview of the Nationals' Spring home. If you are going, post your questions here and I'll pass them on to the STC folks, and if you want info on where to park, find the best seats, seek autographs or find a hotel check out the site. 

Game Time: 1:05 pm EST from Kissimmee...Who's Listening to the Nationals? 

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

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  I hope everybody is enjoying this rainy Saturday in the DC area... maybe they'll actually play today!

Nationals News

  Thomas Boswell argues that while the Nats are 0-8 in Spring Training, they really are a better team than they were last year.

  Stephen Strasburg's reconfigured pitching schedule would have him pitch on April 3... the same date as the exhibition game against the Red Sox... hmm...

  Mike Rizzo may still be looking for a "top of the rotation starter." The Nats Blog breaks down what this could mean for 2010.

  Adam Kilgore figures that Stephen Strasburg will pitch 158 innings between the majors and minors this year.

  Tyler "my favorite pitcher" Clippard has found success in the bullpen, posting a .122 BAA line against lefties.

  Dave Shenin ponders the first round pick situation, and concludes that it may well be Bryce Harper.

  Cristian Guzman, whose wife gave birth to a girl on Thursday, is expected to return to camp today.

  Nats320 wraps up the Spring Training experience.

  As Jim Riggleman sets his lineups, it seems unlikely that any player is locked in place.

  Will Jesus Flores will ever be back to 100 percent?

  FJB looks at the meaning of Eddie Guardado's walking papers.

Non-Nationals News

  Could potential first overall pick Bryce Harper fall to the Blue Jays?

More photos » Reinhold Matay - AP

Who is DC GM Mike Rizzo thinking about as the no. 1 overall pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft? Bryce Harper? Deck McGuire? (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

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• Washington Post writer Dave Sheinin's Nationals Journal post entitled, "Nationals' draft plot thickens", identifies Georgia Tech right-hander and '09 ACC Pitcher of the Year, 20-year-old Junior starter Deck McGuire as one of the pitchers the Washington Nationals could turn to if they decide not to go with College of Southern Nevada catcher Bryce Harper, who was anointed the best prospect available in the 2010 Draft before he was even eligible for it. Mr. Sheinin says he liked LSU right-hander Anthony Ranaudo as well, til he injured his elbow, and he likes prep school right-hander Jameson Taillon while acknowledging the fact that no team's ever selected a high school pitcher with the first overall pick. In the end, Mr. Sheinin concludes that, "It's gotta be Harper," but he's not alone in noting Georgia Tech's Deck McGuire's appeal. The Nationals Farm Authority's Brian Oliver wrote recently in an article entitled, "Digging into the Draft", that the 6'6'', 218lb Richmond, Virginia-born McGuire, "...has the most Mike Rizzo feel to him," and, in Mr. Oliver's opinion, "...has the best chance to go no.1 overall", if the Nationals opt to go for a pitcher instead of the 17-year-old Harper. Of course the man everyone hates to hear from was the first one who threw McGuire's name out as a possibility, and once again tonight the Yellow Jackets' starter showed everyone why he's drawing attention...

BACKPAGE:

• Deck McGuire's 4th Start.

• Bryce Harper's 7th HR.

• Anthony Ranaudo Out Again.

BACKPAGE: 

• Deck McGuire's 4th Start.

• Georgia Tech improved to 11-1 in twenty-ten thanks to Junior right-hander Deck McGuire's complete game performance in the Yellow Jackets' 9-1 win Friday night over ACC rivals Wake Forest at home in Atlanta, Georgia's Russ Chandler Stadium where the third-year starter allowed just 3 hits and 2 walks while collecting 8 K's in 9.0 IP in which he threw 106 pitches, 76 for strikes. The win improves McGuire's record to 3-0 in 4 starts and 31.0 IP this year, during which the 20-year-old starter has K'd 33 (9.58 K/9) and walked just 5 (1.45 K/9), while holding opponents to a .196 BAA as he follows up on a sophomore season which saw McGuire go (11-2) with a 3.50 ERA in 16 starts and 100.1 IP over which the 20-year-old Richmond, Virginia native struck out 118 (10.5 K/9) and walked 41 (3.68 BB/9) while holding opposing teams to a .232 BAA.

LINK: Deck McGuire MLB.com Scouting Video.

• Bryce Harper's 7th HR.

0 for 2 with a walk and a run scored in a 4-3 win in the first game of a double header on Friday, College of Southern Nevada catcher Bryce Harper went 2 for 4 in game two, sending his 7th HR of the season sailing out of the park in a 3-0 win that completed a sweep of Western Nevada and raised the CSU Coyotes' record to 18-4 in 2010. In 22 games, the 17-year-old is now hitting .403 (31 for 77) with a .495 OBP, .831 SLG, 10 doubles, 1 triple, 7 HR's, 21 RBI's and 15 walks with 12 defensive assists and only 1 error in the field (.992 fld%).

• Erin Cofeil, of WAFB in Baton Rouge, Louisiana tweeted Friday night that she had spoken to LSU right-hander Anthony Ranaudo, who missed his third straight start with what he's still describing as "discomfort" in his pitching elbow:

"Just interviewed LSU ace Anthony Ranaudo live. Not throwing for 3rd Friday bc of discomfort in elbow. Said prob gonna be out another 2 weeks." 

Ranaudo, considered by some as a contender for the no.1 overall pick in 2010 when the season began, can't remain in consideration after missing 5 weeks with elbow issues during his Draft year, can he? How far will Ranaudo fall?

• And I know the Nationals' won't be the first team in 45 years to draft a high school pitcher no. 1 overall, but that doesn't mean you can't at least look at RHP Jameson Taillon.

LINK: MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo's article entitled, "High schooler Taillon has mix on the mound."

Washington Nationals: Still Trying To Trade For Starter?

There's little or no ambiguity in MLB.com's Bill Ladson's latest "Inbox: Nats inspiring confidence", where he writes that it's hard to make predictions about how successful the Nationals will be in twenty-ten, "...because Rizzo is not finished trying to build the Nationals for 2010. I know they're trying to trade for a top-of-the-rotation starter." Still trying, huh? Who could the DC GM be targeting?

More photos » Nick Wass - AP

6 months ago: Washington Nationals' Cristian Guzman (15) slides home to score on a single by Adam Dunn as Philadelphia Phillies catcher Paul Bako, left, waits for the ball during the frist inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009, in Washington.(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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Position/Roster Battles:

Between games missed or spent as a DH as he builds up strength in his shoulder following off-season surgery and the time away from camp for the recent birth of his daughter, Cristian Guzman has played in just 3 of 8 games this Spring, two starting at short, one as a DH, in which the 32-years-old-on-March-21st shortstop has 2 hits and an RBI in 10 at bats. Meanwhile...Ian Desmond, the 24-year-old starting-shortstop-in-waiting has taken advantage of the opportunity to showcase his talents, hitting in 8 of 17 AB's thus far and collecting 2 doubles, 1 triple, 1 HR, 10 RBI's, 3 walks and 2 stolen bases, with a .550 OBP and .882 SLG in 7 games played. If the Nationals started the season today who would you play at short? Who would Jim Riggleman go with? Guzman played his first game at short this past Monday, following rumors last weekend that the Nationals might consider relegating the veteran infielder and his $8M dollar salary to the bench if he's outplayed by Desmond the rest of the way. MLB.com's Bill Ladson even quoted Guzman's agent Stanley King addressing the possibility in a blog post entitled, "Guzman, King will take a wait and see approach", where Mr. Ladson wrote that Mr. King, "...declined to say if he would ask the team to trade Guzman if the latter starts the season on the bench," but did say that, "...the team has not talked to him about a contract extension for Guzman." One way or another, it's Guzman's last stand as a National, how will it end? 

Are there really any other position battles? The rotation and bullpen...after the JUMP...

• Bullpen/Rotation:

It's been hard not to cringe while listening to the first week of Spring baseball played by the Washington Nationals, as their pitchers have allowed 116 hits and 82 runs (all but 1 ER's) in 8 games so far, in which the team is 0-8, with standout (for all the wrong reasons) performances like Matt Capps' (6 H, 5 ER in 3.0 IP), Sean Burnett's (5 H, 4 ER in 0.2 IP) and Tyler Walker's (14 H, 11 ER, 4 HR in 2.2 IP) causes for early concern, while standout performances like Stephen Strasburg's debut, Drew Storen's 2.0 scoreless, Aaron Thompson's 4.0 scoreless innings pitched and Matt Chico's return to the mound have provided reason for hope. Tyler Clippard seems like his late-season '09 self early in camp, J.D. Martin and Garrett Mock are (seemingly?) locked in a head-to-head battle that might land both spots in the rotation, and Livan Hernandez is set to debut this Sunday (right after Strasburg's second start) which should provide a study in contrasts the likes of which hasn't been seen since Ryan Zimmerman replaced a hobbled Vinny Castilla as the everyday third baseman late in 2005.

• The BIG ?'s : I already know the answer, (or think I do), but people are still asking how the Nationals will justify sending Stephen Strasburg down (after only 2.0 IP) when the rest of their starters are performing as they are, but as I quoted ESPN.com's Jayson Stark saying the other day in a radio appearance, "Even Tom Seaver and Roger Clemens spent time in the minors, and it can't possibly hurt Strasburg to do the same. It can only help him." My comparison, though he was picked out of high school in the 22nd Round of the 2005 Draft, is the Braves' 22-year-old right-hander Tommy Hanson, who dominated the Arizona Fall League in 2008, winning the first-ever MVP for a pitcher in the historically hitter-friendly league, and was still held back until June so it would delay the start of his arbitration clock's ticking...Strasburg will make his debut this season, he might be the best pitcher in the organization right now, (Sorry, Lannan and Marquis), but the Nationals will take their time with the 21-year-old. Who's going to miss his MLB debut?

But what about the strike-throwing-four-or-five-pitch reliever the Nationals picked 10th overall in the '09 Draft, behind only Strasburg? Drew Storen might be the only name I add to the bullpen I predicted at the start of Spring Training. With Capps and Tyler Walker just brutal so far, and Capps' fastball in a the 89-90 range each time I've seen it get hit hard by the opposition, Brian Bruney allowing 2 hits, 2 ER and 3 walks in 2.0 IP, and the first round of cuts eliminating Eddie Guardado, Shawn Estes, Logan Kensing and Victor Garate from competition for bullpen roles, it'll be up to Storen (or once again the dern arbitration clock) to determine where he starts the season.

After 8 games, I'm sticking with my rotation and bullpen predictions so far, with one slight adjustment in bold type:

Rotation:

1. John Lannan - LHP
2. Jason Marquis - RHP
3. Scott Olsen - LHP
4. Garrett Mock - RHP
5. Livan Hernandez - RHP

Bullpen: 

1. Matt Capps - CL
2. Sean Burnett - SU
3. Brian Bruney - SU
4. Ron Villone - LHP
5. Craig Stammen/Jason Bergmann/Drew Storen - RHP 
6. Tyler Walker - RHP
7. Tyler Clippard - RHP

Feel free to disagree below...

Today's Nationals/Yankees Game Cancelled.

In case you don't already have 300 Twitter messages saying the same, today's game between Washington and New York has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

Check out John Quinn's Link Post HERE or below, back soon with more news...

More photos » Rob Carr - AP

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  On the heels of yesterday's roster reduction of 8, the Nats have announced that C Devin Ivany and 1B Josh Whitesell were sent to minor league camp.

Nationals News 

  Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to make his next Spring Training start this Sunday, and Adam Kilgore speculates that this may be his last start this spring before being sent to minor league camp. Livan Hernandez is expected to follow Stephen Strasburg's start, and will pitch three innings.

  Eddie Guardado was surprised that he was released by the Nats yesterday, but Jim Riggleman points out that they were doing Eddie a favor in releasing him when they did, so he could get a shot with another team this season.

  It's never too early to start thinking about the 2010 draft!

  Mark Zuckerman sat down with Rick Short, who made his major league debut in 2005 with the Nationals after 12 long seasons in the minors.

  MLB Trade Rumors assesses the Nats' offseason.

  Yesterday's game was cancelled due to rain, and today's game is not likely to take place.

  Bill Ladson had an interview with Stephen Strasburg.

More photos » Charles Dharapak - AP

6 months ago: Pitcher Stephen Strasburg, the No. 1 overall draft pick in the baseball draft, holds up a Washington Nationals jersey with third baseman Ryan Zimmerman during a news conference at Nationals Park in Washington, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

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Is the "Teh Lerners are teh cheep" era over yet? After the Washington Nationals outbid (overbid?) the rest of the league to acquire Adam Dunn (2yr/$20) last winter, only after their 8-year/$160-$180 million dollar offer (depending on the source) to Mark Teixeira was effectively rejected when he opted to sign with the Yankees? After the Nationals aggressively pursued and signed free agent pitchers Jason Marquis (2yr/$15) and Matt Capps (1yr/$3.5+) and fell just short of reaching Aroldis Chapman's asking price with what was reportedly a 5-year/$25M dollar offer...and DC GM Mike Rizzo said it was his decision to end the team's pursuit of the Cuban left-hander, not the owners', as Washington Post writer Thomas Boswell quoted Mr. Rizzo stating in a January 11th 2010 Nationals Journal article entitled, "Nats were 'in it to the end' with Chapman [Updated]":

"According to Rizzo, the front office -- not the Lerners -- drew the line on how much Washington was willing to offer. 'At a certain price point, the risk-reward wasn't worth it,' Rizzo said. 'We went up to a price point I was comfortable with, and at the end of the day we fell a bit short.'"

The Nationals also inked two 1st Round picks in the '09 First-Year Player Draft, signing the no.1 overall selection, former SDSU Aztec starter Stephen Strasburg to a record-setting 4-year/$15.1M dollar deal within minutes of the August 18th signing deadline for this year's picks, and selecting and signing Stanford Cardinal closer Drew Storen with the 10th overall pick, quickly agreeing on a $1.6 million dollar signing bonus, and using the compensation pick they received after failing to sign RHP Aaron Crow, the '08 Draft's 9th overall pick, to add a major-league ready closer to save games for their future ace. Oh, and they also agreed on a 5-year/$45 million dollar deal with the Face of the Franchise©, Ryan Zimmerman, who says he wants to be here when they finally turn things around...

I only bring this up now (because I'm bored with no game today and all afternoon to read about the Nationals) because I read two articles today that talked about the Nationals' owners...

I only bring this up now (because I'm bored with no game today and all afternoon to read about the Nationals) because I read two articles today that talked about the Nationals' owners, one an article at SB Nation.com by Andrew Sharp which asked the question, "What's More Valuable: Owner's Money? Or Money Player?", and the second an article by staff reporter Jeff Clabaugh at the Washington Business Journal's site entitled, "Forbes worldwide billionaire list includes 14 from Washington area", which announced that the 316th person on their billionaire list was, "Theodore Lerner, of Lerner Enterprises. The commercial real estate tycoon, and D.C. resident, (who) has an estimated net worth of $3 billion," and is also the managing principal owner of the Washington Nationals.

The SB Nation's Mr. Sharp's article starts close to home for me with a look my hapless (7-56) hometown New Jersey Nets who are about to be bought by #40 on Forbes' billionaire list, the richest man in Russia Mikhail Prokhorov, and are also going to receive the no.1 pick in next year's draft as a result of their on-court struggles, and Mr. Sharp asks, what if they could have one or the other, a number-one-overall-type pick, a sure thing, or a billionaire owner who's willing, "...to shut up and sign the checks," for whatever a team needs to field a winner. "What if the Nets fans had to choose?" Mr. Sharp asks, and what if fans of teams in other sports had to make the decision?

"In baseball," Mr. Sharp writes, using Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals as an example, the answer is easy,"...having a billionaire owner is worth more than a hundred top draft picks, because at the end of the day, that owner can simply buy those draft picks, or let them mature in someone else's farm system, and then buy them...The best talent goes to the highest bidder, period." I agree with Mr. Sharp, it's hard to even argue that in baseball a free-spending owner isn't far more valuable than any one pick or player, and one only has to look at the Yankees' owners, the Steinbrenner family with their free-spending ways, or on the other hand the Texas Rangers when they employed the current Yankees' third baseman or the San Francisco Giants with their old left fielder to see what one good player alone is worth in the Majors. (ed. note - "Just have to mention that the idea of MLB teams letting players, "mature in someone else's farm system" and then signing them once they've developed is sure to provide any Montreal Expos' fan with a moment of remembered pain, but it's not like that in the nation's capital.")

The Nationals are building through the draft, and though they've only recently turned to free agents, and have yet to make a move into the international market (does Chien-Ming Wang count, really?), DC GM Mike Rizzo has made clear that what he and team President Stan Kasten want is made available to them by the team's ownership. Signing top draft picks and supplementing their core players with free agents where appropriate has always been the Nationals' plan, well, since late '06-ish. Clearly in baseball, having an owner who's willing to build a team this way is more valuable than any one player, but what about other sports? Check out the rest of SB Nation.com's Mr. Sharp's article. And since there's no new Nationals news to read tonight, and Strasburg's next start isn't until Sunday, check out what Caps' owner Ted Leonsis had to say about the SB Nation.com writer's opinion of whether an owner or a star is more valuable in the NHL. The Capitals, as Mr. Sharp points out, have both the pick and the owner in Alex Ovechkin and Mr. Leonsis, do the Nationals have the same in Ryan Zimmerman, Stephen Strasburg and Mr. Lerner?

More photos » Rob Carr - AP

8 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher John Lannan throws to a New York Mets batter during the first inning of a spring training baseball game, Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Rob Carr)

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• Today's Game Cancelled at 12:22 pm EST.

The first round of cuts came today. Early this morning, MLB.com's Bill Ladson's announced (via Twitter, @washingnats for updates) that C Derek Norris and (RHP) Joel Peralta have been sent to minor league camp. Shortly afterwards the rest of the names came out. (RHP) Logan Kensing, (LHP) Victor Garate and (OF) Jerry Owens were assigned to Minor League camp and (LHP)'s Eddie Guardado and Shawn Estes were given their unconditional releases by the Nationals. According to @NatsTownNews' count, the roster stood at 53 after the morning's moves.

(ed. note - "If you're not familiar with Eddie Guardado's history with the Washington Nationals, check this out, suffice it to say, the left-handed veteran who once dreaded having to come to the nation's capital, failed to make the team, and didn't even survive the first cut. Whether that's a sign of what time and a long career have done to diminish Guardado's skills or the improvement on the Nationals' roster is a difficult question to answer. Probably a little of both.")

• DC Starting Lineup and Game Notes after the JUMP... Game Cancelled at 12:22 pm EST.

• Meanwhile, (if the rain allows it, which is a BIG question mark right now), the Nationals will welcome the Houston Astros to Space Coast Stadium in sunny Viera, Florida this afternoon for the ninth game this Spring, which will feature DC lefty John Lannan on the mound against the 'Stros Roy Oswalt in a 1:05 pm EST affair that will be broadcast on XM ch. 184, MLB Game Day audio, MLB's At Bat Mobile App, etc., (w/ etc. including FB favorites Charlie and Dave on 1500 WFED at 12:50). John Lannan's first start this Spring saw the 25-year-old left hander allow 2 hits, 2 ER and 2 walks in 2 IP, with the second inning a quick 1-2-3, while the first was delayed by a one-out single, HBP and base-loading walk which cost Lannan both runs he'd allow. Roy Oswalt, the Astros' right-hander who turned 32 last August, is entering his 10th MLB season, and he started it with 2.0 scoreless innings in his first outing this Spring, walking 3, K'ing 2 and allowing 1 hit in an otherwise successful outing. 

DC Starting Lineup:

1. Nyjer Morgan - CF
2. Roger Bernadina - RF
3. Ryan Zimmerman - 3B
4. Adam Dunn - 1B
5. Josh Willingham - LF
6. Adam Kennedy - 2B
7. Elijah Dukes - DH
8. Jamie Burke - C
9. Alberto Gonzalez - SS

Notes: Completely random, but...Did you know Elijah Dukes uses D-Bat model 110's? According to the D-Bat company's Twitter, Dukes just placed his order for the season. According to MASNSports.com's Ben Goessling (@masnBen), the Nationals' will pitch Livan Hernandez on Sunday, immediately after the Nationals' '09 no. 1 overall pick Stephen Strasburg in what is sure to be a nightmare for opposing hitters. 100mph fastball followed by a 62 mph eephus, good luck. 

More photos » Richard Drew - AP

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Dave has posted the first round of cuts (or at least what we know so far), so check that out below this post. Also, we are looking for two more players to round out our 12 team Federal Baseball CBS fantasy league. If you're interested, please comment below.

Nationals News

  Bill Ladson caught up with Jim Riggleman for an interview yesterday. The more I read from Riggleman, the more I like him.

  Jesus Flores, who underwent shoulder surgery last September, has left Spring Training to spend 10-14 days with orthopedist James Andrews.

  Adam Kilgore wraps up yesterday's loss to the Cardinals, which sent the Nats to 0-8 in Spring Training... hrm... It doesn't appear that the Nats are too worried.

  Adam Kilgore has made his guess as to the Nats' 2010 25-man roster.

  Mike Rizzo makes it clear that Strasburg's success is not going to change his long-term plans for Strasburg. This is good to hear.

  Big League Stew projects a 2010 comparable to 2009 for Ryan Zimmerman, but a 2011 with great potential.

  Josh Willingham's journey to the majors was a long and interesting one.

  Cristian Guzman has left the team to be with his wife, who is undergoing induced labor and will be having a daughter soon.

  Garrett Mock thinks Pudge Rodriguez throws harder than he does, and Matt Capps has given up a run in three consecutive games.

Non-Nationals News

  Cliff Lee was solid in his first Spring Training start, giving up one run on five hits over three innings.

Washington Nationals Make First Round of Cuts

According to various sources this morning, the Nationals have made their first round of cuts.

Given their outright releases, at least according to those sources, were LHPs Eddie Guardado and Shawn Estes.

Re-assigned to minor league camp were RHPs Joel Peralta, Logan Kensing and Ryan Speier, LHP Victor Garate, OF Jerry Owens, and C Derek Norris.

More photos » Charlie Riedel - AP

5 days ago: Washington Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) talks to catcher Ivan Rodriguez before a spring training baseball game against the Detroit Tigers Tuesday, March 9, 2010 in Viera, Fla. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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• ESPN.com's Jayson Stark was on the Mike and Mike Show with Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic this morning on 1050 ESPN Radio in New York to talk about his trip to Viera, Florida's Space Coast Stadium to see the debut of DC right-hander Stephen Strasburg, the Nationals' '09 no.1 overall pick who made his first Spring Training start in the Nationals' spring home yesterday against the Detroit Tigers. Mr. Stark tells the two Mikes he entered the ballpark a skeptic, "When you hear all the talk, about a guy like Stephen Strasburg, you hear people call him the greatest pitching prospect ever, what's your first instinct? To think, 'We're definitely over-selling this guy, he can't possibly be as good as people think he is, right?' That's how I walked into the park, it's not how I walked out of the park after watching that..." The "that" Mr. Stark refers to was Strasburg's two-inning, 27-pitch performance against Detroit, which saw the 21-year-old right-hander give up 2 hits and record 2 K's:

Jayson Stark: "After watching a 96-98 fastball, throwing a fastball right by Miguel Cabrera when he's looking fastball. After watching a change up at 90-91. After watching him throw a 3-2 breaking ball for an outing-ending strikeout. After watching the delivery. After watching how he conducted himself, and after talking to people about him. Running that outing past the scouts who were there, they used words like 'special', 'real deal'. You know, he pitched against Rick Porcello, right? Another one of the best young pitchers in baseball. I had a scout tell me he made Rick Porcello look like he was playing catch with his sister. And then I talked the hitters, and Miguel Cabrera said, 'When he throws the ball it's like an explosion.' How bout that line? And then we asked Miguel Cabrera, 'Do you think his future can possibly be as bright as people say it is,?' and here's what he said, 'Oh...my...God.' So, what do you want me to tell you, it was great." 

BACKPAGE: 

• More from Mr. Stark.

• More On Strasburg.

• 0-8 In Games That Don't Count.

BACKPAGE: 

• More from Mr. Stark.

Asked by one of the Mikes (just kidding it was Mike Greenberg, I think)..if either Strasburg, the best pitching prospect, or Atlanta Braves' outfielder Jason Heyward, the best fielding prospect, will be on their respective team's Opening Day rosters, Mr. Stark responds that Heyward will make the Braves', but the difference between the two, as he sees it, is that, "The Nationals don't want Stephen Strasburg to make their team,":

"Jayson Stark: He's never thrown a pitch in the minor leagues, and they're also faced with this worry, you don't want a guy to be the face of your franchise who's never actually pitched for your franchise. And they're trying to tone it down, the problem is, this spring, do you know what the batting average is against all the pitchers on their team not named Stephen Strasburg? How bout .396? And then this guy goes out there and blows through the middle of the Tigers' real batting order. If he keeps throwing up zeroes, what are they gonna do? What are they gonna say? I mean Jim Riggleman said, 'We're not going to announce that he's going to the minor leagues cause he might make us eat those words.'"

• More On Strasburg:

Minor League Ball.com's John Sickels takes a look at Stephen Strasburg and another pitcher who was also almost part of the Nationals' future rotation in an article entitled, "Chapman and Strasburg: What is to be Done?", wherein Mr Sickels says that he sees no reason to rush Strasburg to the majors:

"The Nationals aren't going to win this year even if Strasburg makes 32 starts and throws 200 innings. I'd start him off at Double-A Harrisburg, with the same 10-starts-before-promotion philosophy I have with Chapman. Even Tom Seaver and Roger Clemens spent time in the minors, and it can't possibly hurt Strasburg to do the same. It can only help him." 

MLB.com's Bill Ladson spoke to DC GM Mike Rizzo this afternoon for an article entitled, "Rizzo not changing plans for Strasburg", in which Mr. Ladson noted Mr. Rizzo's well-established pattern of, "...not rushing players to the big leagues," and quoted the DC GM stating, "'Regardless of what he did [Tuesday] and what he does in the future during Spring Training, it's not going to change my plans." What Mr. Rizzo's plans are, exactly, he neglected to say...

• ? For the DC Faithful...How many innings will Strasburg pitch in 2010? He threw 109.0 at San Diego State last season...I was told the rule of thumb would be to add 50.0 or so to that total in his first year in the pros? Just asking because I was discussing a possible ten-start trip through the system, as has been rumored for months, and even if he's held to 5-6 IP per start, or 100 pitches, whatever, by June he'll already have thrown 50+ innings, which would leave just 150.0 IP or less for the Nationals to use before he'd be shut down for the season? 

• 0-8 In Games That Don't Count.

Willie Harris was 2 for 4 in a start at second, with a double, a triple and a run batted in. Justin Maxwell hit an eighth- inning HR, his first of the Spring, off the Cards' Mitchell Boggs. Adam Dunn was 2 for 3 with two trademark singles, and the Nationals as a team combined for 9 hits and 4 runs scored. The Nationals' pitchers, however, at least the first three of them, allowed 2 runs each. Starter Garrett Mock gave up 2 ER on 1 HR and 5 hits overall in 3.0 IP, while J.D. Martin surrendered 2 ER on 3 hits in 2.0 innings and Matt Capps gave up 2 runs and 2 hits in 1.0 IP, leaving Capps with 6 hits and 5 ER allowed in 3.0 IP this Spring. 

Final score: 6-4 Cardinals over Nationals.

Next Game: Thursday 1:05 pm EST. Nationals vs Astros with Nats' lefty John Lannan on the mound against the 'Stros' Roy Oswalt. 

Federal Baseball Talks Washington Nationals With Macho Row.

While you're following along with the box score or Twitter reports from today's game with the Cardinals, (since there's no radio coverage), check out an interview I did with Macho Row's Kevin McGuire, in which we talk:

• Stephen Strasburg
• Phillies vs Expos/Nationals
• Drew Storen
• NL East Predictions.

Catcher Jesus Flores, rehabbing from off-season shoulder and elbow surgery, will visit noted shoulder expert Dr. James Andrews for 10 days or so to evaluate and receive treatment on his shoulder, which has not recovered according to the timetable team doctors laid out at the beginning of spring training.
Flores originally was diagnosed with a fracture in his shoulder, returned to play, then found out he had a torn labrum, which required extensive surgery.
He's returned to spring training, trying to build up the strength in the arm, but has not progressed past playing catch.  He has not been able to throw back to the pitchers while catching bullpen sessions.  And he has not taken batting practice.
All that leads up to another trip to Dr. Andrews. According to reports, Flores will be evaluated and receive treatment, but no word at this point if another surgery will be required.  General Manager Mike Rizzo told reporters that he didn't think surgery would be required, but that Flores would receive individualized physical therapy and treatment from Dr. Andrews' staff. None of this is good news for the 25-year old developing catcher, who was once thought of as the long-term answer at the position for the Nationals.
Unfortunately, his status is very much up in the air with the latest setback, and it is vitually certain Flores will start the season on the disabled list.
From MASN.com's Ben Goessling's blog post earlier today, manager Jim Riggleman discussed the situation. "I don't see how (Flores) couldn't (start on the DL)," Riggleman said. "Ten days from now, we couldn't get him enough games to be ready for the season, no matter if he got back at the earliest." For now, the Nats will head into the season with Ivan Rodriguez (.280 OBP in 2009) and Wil Nieves as the catching options.  The team re-signed Jamie Burke to catch at Triple-A Syracuse and should remain the emergency option should the Nats need another catcher for the time being.

It's a shame for Flores, and the team, that his shoulder has not responded adequately yet.  The team signed Rodriguez to be a part-time player to Flores' starter, and now that is in serious jeopardy.

Rodriguez was exposed last season when forced into a full-time gig with Houston.  While his batting average was not bottom of the barrel, his on base percentage was terrible.  For all the accolades he's received this spring from Nats management, players and coaches, he's a shell of the player that will no doubt be enshrined in Cooperstown five years after his exit from the game.

He might "bring a lot to the table" as far as presence and respect, but he brings little to the plate anymore when he steps into the batter's box.

Flores' injury, and slow recovery, is a big blow to the Nationals this season, and perhaps into the future after re-evaluation from Dr. Andrews.