Chico's in, but Who's #5?

"We almost have our minds made up. We haven't made the final decision yet, but I don't think a good or bad start is going to change our mind...Our decision is almost made."
(Manny Acta, via Washington Post, 3/22/2008)

Starting 5: Odalis Perez. Tim Redding. Jason Bergmann. Matt Chico. And TBD?

We say: TBD will be Lannan (pitching today); no way Hill is ready in time (is he even healthy?). On Hill, from Nationals Journal this morning:

Shawn Hill threw a bullpen yesterday, reported some slight soreness in his elbow afterwards, but is still on track to throw two innings in a minor league game on Monday, in hopes of getting himself ready to pitch for the Nationals on April 13

Meanwhile...

• O'Connor and Whitney both get cut. Mark Zuckerman takes a crack at projecting the final 25.
• A few weeks ago, Home Run Derby predicted the 2008 Nats would be the worst team in baseball -- and that was WITH John Patterson in the starting rotation. So does his departure give their prediction even more ammo? I still think they've upgraded, IF...
• Zuckerman: it'll be Hudson vs. Someone Opening Night (still looking like it'll be Odalis by default)
• OMG's take on JP's release is worth a read (comments, too)...
• The Felipe Lopez Watch continues: Play, Trade, Release, or Bench him? Will FelipE be a Cubbie?

(AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Comments

[Nick the Greek]

Got any interest in Jose Contreras? He could be your #1! ;-)

[The Nationals Enquirer]

The Nats would prefer to go with 5 #5's, thank you very much...