Nationals @ Phillies, Game 1

[DPMOmaha]

If Marquis can keep the ball down, then we have the advantage, I think.

No, not the advantage, but a fighting chance.  Though not having Zim in the lineup today could be tougher to overcome than it was in New York.

[PANatsFan]

No, not the advantage, but a fighting chance.  Though not having Zim in the lineup today could be tougher to overcome than it was in New York.

Sorry, pitching advantage. I think Coles is a headcase. The offense isn't even close.

[DPMOmaha]

Gotcha

[The Chief]

Is Zimm out today for sure?

[DPMOmaha]

I think so.  I thought Riggleman said he'd be out for a couple of days which would be yesterday and today with an off day tomorrow.

[Nat of the Living Dead]

Is Zimm out today for sure?

They said the soonest he'd be ready is Wednesday (or next game) although I bet they use him as a pinch hitter if absolutely needed.

[CJames0569]

Sorry, pitching advantage. I think Coles is a headcase. The offense isn't even close.

Only if our bullpen can pitch like it did against the Mets on Saturday and Sunday. Marquis needs to give us at least a quality start (6ip and 3 er) for us to have a chance. Hopefully Clip can pitch well again tonight and pass it off to Capps in the 9th because the Phils will tee-off on Bruney's fastball. Their offense is just too damn good, sucks we face them again this early.

[ColtonWillems]

Is Zimm out today for sure?

Lineup:
Morgan 8
Tavares 9
Guzman 4
Dunn 3
Hammer 7
Desmond 6
Pudge 2
Kennedy 5

[blue911]

Lineup:
Morgan 8
Tavares 9
Guzman 4
Dunn 3
Hammer 7
Desmond 6
Pudge 2
Kennedy 5

I like Desmond batting 6th.

[HalfSmokes]

I don't like Guzman batting third

[PANatsFan]

Looks like having Guz around is a big help, then Kennedy can play the corners since Morse is injured. Riggleman is hitting his stride. I'd like to see Bernadina get a start here, though.

[DPMOmaha]

About as good a lineup as we can probably expect with Zim out another day.

[CJames0569]

Lineup:
Morgan 8
Tavares 9
Guzman 4
Dunn 3
Hammer 7
Desmond 6
Pudge 2
Kennedy 5

  I understand they like his speed but I'd like to see us put someone who gets on base a little more consistently in the 2 hole. Based on our options there isn't a standout for that spot, but I'd rather see someone else. Any thoughts on trying out Pudge or Kennedy?

[HalfSmokes]

I understand they like his speed but I'd like to see us put someone who gets on base a little more consistently in the 2 hole. Based on our options there isn't a standout for that spot, but I'd rather see someone else. Any thoughts on trying out Pudge or Kennedy?

If they'd jsut put Willy behind desmond and move everyone esle up, I'd like the lineup alot better

[CJames0569]

If they'd jsut put Willy behind desmond and move everyone esle up, I'd like the lineup alot better

I'd be ok with that, but I'd switch Hammer to the 3 hole and leave dunn batting 4th.

[Lintyfresh85]

I'd be ok with that, but I'd switch Hammer to the 3 hole and leave dunn batting 4th.

I'd go like this.

Morgan
Taveras/Guzman
Hammer
Dunn
Desmond
Pudge
Guzman/Taveras
Kennedy

[DPMOmaha]

What about this one:

Morgan
Guz
Kennedy
Dunn
Hammer
Desmond
Pudge
Tavaras

[DPMOmaha]

The Philly lineup

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Raul Ibanez, LF
7. Shane Victorino, CF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Cole Hamels, SP

[Lintyfresh85]

What about this one:

Morgan
Guz
Kennedy
Dunn
Hammer
Desmond
Pudge
Tavaras

I don't think Kennedy hits left handers all that well.

[blue911]

What about this one:

Morgan
Guz
Kennedy
Dunn
Hammer
Desmond
Pudge
Tavaras

Kennedy blows versus lefties. If there ever was a time to bat Marquis 8th, today would be the day.

[houston-nat]

The Philly lineup

1. Jimmy Rollins, SS
2. Placido Polanco, 3B
3. Chase Utley, 2B
4. Ryan Howard, 1B
5. Jayson Werth, RF
6. Raul Ibanez, LF
7. Shane Victorino, CF
8. Carlos Ruiz, C
9. Cole Hamels, SP

Why is it other teams always have their real lineup and our lineups always look like something from spring training?

[PANatsFan]

Why is it other teams always have their real lineup and our lineups always look like something from spring training?

Injuries.

[Kevrock]

I'd be ok with that, but I'd switch Hammer to the 3 hole and leave dunn batting 4th.

Agreed.

I'd go like this.

Morgan
Taveras/Guzman
Hammer
Dunn
Desmond
Pudge
Guzman/Taveras
Kennedy

Yes please.

[Minty Fresh]

Kennedy blows versus lefties. If there ever was a time to bat Marquis 8th, today would be the day.

With Tavarez you could actually move Marquis up to the 7-hole.

Why not put Rodriguez 2nd?  He handles the bat.  Cagey veteran.

[Kevrock]

Why not put Rodriguez 2nd?  He handles the bat.  Cagey veteran.

Lots of GIDP lately, right? Or maybe it just seems that way. Morgan can steal anyway and eliminate that.