Who Should Be the Nats Opening Day Starter?

Posted by Dave Nichols | Monday, March 01, 2010 | , , , | 0 comments »

Hotstove.com asked several prominent Nats internet writers their opinion on who should get the ball on opening day against the Phillies.

You can click here for the full discussion.

Here was my answer: 
Jason Marquis. As much as I love John Lannan, Marquis was an all-star last year and the “big” free agent signing this off-season for the Nats. Marquis was brought in to eat innings and be a mentor to the younger pitchers on the staff, and he should get the nod opening day. In a perfect world, this will be the last time we debate the Nats’ opening day starter, at least for a little while, with the ascention of Stephen Strasburg.
I might be asking for some hate mail not tabbing Lannan for the job, even in my own household.  But Marquis is the more experienced, more decorated, and more veteran pitcher.  He was the Nats big off-season acquisition and is going to be asked to deliver 180+ innings this season.

Of course, Manager Jim Riggleman says it's still an open discussion, but Lannan's first spring training start leaves him on a schedule to pitch on opening day, with Marquis going in game two against the Phillies with a day off.

What say you?  Lannan or Marquis?

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