Nationals Pride Season Preview

I swiped the Season in Preview from Nationals Pride to do a little analysis

A lot can change by Opening Day, but as 2007 becomes 2008, this is who is projected to take the field for the Nationals: Here's the starting lineup and how I see it and hope;)

1) SS Cristian Guzman
2) CF Lastings Milledge

With Guzie healthy and Belliard as his partner, this lineup is solid with Zim and Dmitri in between. Lastings gets his shot and Wily Mo swings for the moon! But read my Austin Kearns analysis below......... vvvvv

3) 3rd Ryan Zimmerman
4) 1B Dmitri Young

5) RF Austin Kearns <<< I know Bowden likes him, but he does nothing for me as a playoff contender. The need for a Vlad Guerrero, Carlos Lee, or Manny Ramirez is the final piece to this puzzle. Whether that comes from free agency or the minors is Trader Jim or Stan the Man's guess...but SOON! 2B Ronnie Belliard will change the entire dynamic of this lineup. Belliard will allow Pena to see a lot of strikes (he'll need to "@@" ) and Lo Duca will battle in the 8th spot.

6) LF Wily Mo Pena I like the power down below! Could drive in a bunch here.
7) 2B Ronnie Belliard
8) C Paul Lo Duca

SP Livan Hernandez R I want Livan to chew up innings and take the heat off of the pen.
I don't think he signed anywhere yet. He is the horse for this sled!
He'd be a cheap get also unless he is hiding an injury???

SP Shawn Hill
SP John Patterson
SP Jason Bergmann R
SP John Lannan L
SP Matt Chico L
SP Tyler Clippard R

There is little doubt we have a great bullpen with a Lefty in the minors or
in Jim or Stan's mind. Perhaps Lannan starts in pen or we sign someone out of the spring. The Bullpen will be the greatest strength to playoff run. It's lights out after the 5th barring injuries!

R Saul Rivera
R Jon Rauch
R Jesus Colome
R Luis Ayala
CL Chad Cordero R