Tough Way to Start the Season

In years past, the Nats' pitching has always done them in. Losing 8-5 (or 14-2, like last season's opening series against Philly) was more the rule than the exception. While watching Derek Lowe channel his inner Roy Halladay wasn't particularly encouraging, it's nice to see that Livan has yet to turn into a pumpkin.

Desmond probably will not last in the leadoff spot. Not sure who's job that should be at this point, but putting a fast runner at the top of the lineup should not be required. The moneyball A's ran Jeremy Giambi, quite possibly the slowest player in the league at the time, out of the top slot and the world continued to rotate and the A's won 100 games. Johnny Damon didn't handle the Coliseum, and Desmond still doesn't have the pitch IQ. If Ramos can get on base, slot him one. If Morse has the hot bat, let him lead off. Maybe the job is Espinosa's in the long run, but his 100 at bat resume leaves much to be desired. Hitting Werth second is a great adjustment; don't feel everything else has to be conventional.