We couldn't have asked for a much nicer day for a ballgame, at least on April 1 in Washington, D.C.
It's supposed to be around 63 and sunny at first pitch here at Nationals Park, with no rain in the forecast. I'll take it.
For those of you coming to the game, you might want to get here early. The opening day ceremonies will begin at 12:08 p.m., with James Brown serving as the master of ceremonies.
The Nationals are scheduled to unveil their National League East division champions sign at 12:26 p.m. The Nats players will be introduced at 12:30 p.m., with Gold Glove, Silver Slugger, and Manager, Rookie and Executive of the Year awards being presented thereafter.
There are no surprises when it comes to the Nationals' opening day lineup. Manager Davey Johnson took out the rubber stamp today.
When it comes to the Marlins ... well, there isn't a whole lot there to make Nationals pitchers quiver in their cleats. It's Giancarlo Stanton and a bunch of other guys.
I wouldn't be shocked if Stanton walks 150 times this year. There's really no reason to pitch to the guy.
Here are your lineups for today's opener:
For the Marlins:
LF Juan Pierre
CF Chris Coghlan
RF Giancarlo Stanton
3B Placido Polanco
C Rob Brantly
2B Donovan Solano
1B Casey Kotchman
SS Adeiny Hechavarria
P Ricky Nolasco
For the Nats:
CF Denard Span
RF Jayson Werth
LF Bryce Harper
3B Ryan Zimmerman
1B Adam LaRoche
SS Ian Desmond
2B Danny Espinosa
C Wilson Ramos
P Stephen Strasburg
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