Philadelphia Phillies (1-0, first in NL East)
Cole Hamels (10-11, 4.32 in 2009)
v.
Washington Nationals (0-1, second in NL East)
Jason Marquis (15-13, 4.04 in 2009)
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The Nats look to rebound after the Opening Day 11-1 shellacking by the Phillies, and all the negative press they are getting over "Group Ticket-gate".
They'll turn to Jason Marquis, making his Nationals debut, and Mike Morse, who was inserted into the starting lineup in right field after Manager Jim Riggleman initially announced in spring training that Willy Taveras would be the right-handed hitting platoon-mate of Willie Harris.
The Nats' decision-making sometimes is like the weather in Texas: you don't like it, just wait an hour and it'll change.
And don't expect too many pinch-hit home runs when facing a lefty starter. The bench consists of Wil Nieves, Cristian Guzman, Willie Harris, Willy Taveras and Alberto Gonzalez. Not too much pop there.
PHILLIES
Rollins – SS
Polanco – 3BUtley – 2B
Howard – 1B
Werth – RF
Ibanez – LF
Victorino – CF
Ruiz – C
Hamels – P
NATIONALS
Morgan – CF
Desmond – SSZimmerman – 3B
Dunn – 1B
Willingham – LF
Rodriguez – C
Morse – RF
Kennedy – 2B
Marquis – P
WEATHER: Sunny and unseasonably warm. First pitch: 87F, last out: 65F. 0% chance of precipitation.
Not that is would help with power off the bench, but shouldn't Guzman be starting at 2B vs LHPs?
If you are going to platoon to cover 1 week link (RF), why not two (2B)?
Eric, I don't know the answer, and I bet Jim Riggleman doesn't either.