‘Goes Well With Apple Pie’
courtesy of ‘gfpeck’

(via @AdamKilgoreWP on Twitter) Lannan, Marquis, Stammen will be the #Nats first three starters this year, Riggleman says. Livo a likely 4th. Mock, Martin, Olsen for 5th.

This is Lannan‘s second year starting as the Nationals Ace for Opening Day.

Marquis has been shaky this Spring Training, with a 14.40 ERA. His attitude remains upbeat despite the not-so-brag-worthy start to run with the Nats. “Whether you have the No. 1 spot locked up or the No. 5 spot locked up, you still want to go out there and compete and not embarrass yourself or your teammates,” Marquis told WaPo’s Adam Kilgore. “Hopefully that’s what you do you when it comes close to the end of spring training.” Let’s not forget, Maqruis was an All-Star in 2009. If he doesn’t show he’s got the arm, then we’ll see how long he stays in Washington.

There’s something about Stammen though. When I spoke with him at NatsFest back in January he said something that struck me. “The Nationals empire is coming soon,” Stammen said. “The Verizon Center is always packed because the Caps and the Wizards create a winning product. It’s our time now.” Stammen had no clue he’d be starting for the Nats in January. He just loves to play and loves to play for a team that wants him there.

Riggleman is still working the last two spots for the five man rotation. Opening Day at Nationals Park is next Monday. So those names should be in by then.

Rachel Levitin

Rachel moved to DC in the fall of 2005 to study Journalism and Music at American University. When she’s not keeping up with the latest Major League Baseball news, she works on making music as an accomplished singer-songwriter and was even a featured performer/speaker at TEDxDupont Circle in 2012. Rachel has also contributed to The Washington Examiner and MASN Sports’ Nationals Buzz as a guest blogger. See why she loves DC. E-Mail: rachel@welovedc.com.