• Programming Note: As far as I can tell, there is no audio available for today's game featuring Jordan Zimmermann on the mound for Washington against New York. The Mets are broadcasting the game on SNY in NY, so the video feed is available on MLB.tv in D.C., but the Mets are playing a split squad game against the Astros and their radio broadcast is covering that game instead of the Mets' meeting with the Nats. Will update if MLB.com updates their listings, but it appears to be MLB.tv or the live box score if you're following this afternoon's game.
• Nats Tuesday Starting Lineup courtesy of MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats): "#Nats lineup vs. #Mets: Morgan-DH, Desmond-6, Hairston-5, Morse-7 Ramos-2, Fraizer-9, Ankiel-8, Marrero-3, Bixler-4, Zimmermann-P
• LINKS AND LINKS AND...
• Nats Beat:
• "So going up there and seeing guys I've never seen, especially against relievers and closers -- they're going to come at you with sliders, knuckleballs, split-fingers, you know, everything they have in their kitchen sink." - Bryce Harper to Washington Post writer Dave Sheinin, "Wrapping up an unsightly win."
• "With Harper at the plate, one fan in the stands yelled, 'Overrated, overrated.'" - MLB.com's Bill Ladson, "Harper quiets heckler with two-run double."
• Want to ask Nats' pitching prospect Ryan Tatusko a question? - MASN's Ben Goessling: "Taking questions for Nationals minor league Ryan Tatusko."
• '"He is kind of built like Willingham, knows the strike zone like Willingham and we think he is going to have similar power like Willingham.'" - Jim Riggleman on Derek Norris - MLB.com's Bill Ladson, "Catcher Norris draws praise from Riggleman."
• "'But I feel good at the plate and that is a reflection of how serious I took the to the off season workouts.'" - Derek Norris on his Spring so far - MASN.com, Byron Kerr, "Norris confident his defense will catch up to his offense."
• Sticking To Themes:
• Twitter: MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats): "Roger Bernadina wants to be the everyday center fielder. He just bunted for a base hit in the first inning. #Nats"
• Twitter: MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats): "Roger Bernadina wants to be the everyday center fielder. He just stole second base. #Nats"
• Twitter: MLB.com's Bill Ladson (@washingnats): "Roger Bernadina wants to be the everyday CFer. He walked with the bases loaded. The game is tied at 1 between the #Nats and #Astros."
• Independent Analysis: "Team Preview: Washington Nationals." - Dave Cameron, Fangraphs.com
• Twitter: Today's Message from the Dalai Lama on Twitter (@dalailama): "Every day, when you get up, you can develop a sincere positive motivation: I will utilize this day in a more positive way."
• NatsTown:
• Must See - Espi-Howitzer video and more - Nats Nation (as viewed from Section 138 and beyond) - "Detwiler and Espi? That'll do, Pig. That'll do."Espi-Howitzer video and more - Nats Nation (as viewed from Section 138 and beyond)
• "Pick me out a blue shark, Bobby." - Sharkadina, Street Shark: Roger Bernadina's Unofficial Blog: "SHARK BUNT."
• "Astros interested in Flores, It's time to ship Jesus." - William Yoder, The Nats Blog
• Twitter: @NationalsPR: "Michael Morse - .375 (6-for-14), 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI in 5 ST games. Desmond - .312 (5-for-16), 2B, 3B, 3 RBI in 5 ST games. #Nationals."
• NL East:
• Mets: "'A little sore all over,' was how Beltran described his body. 'But nothing in particular.'" - "Beltran takes day off with general soreness." - Anthony DiComo, MLB.com
• Mets: "We're still a month from Opening Day, but let's take a shot at predicting the Mets' roster anyway." - "Projecting The Mets' Opening Day Roster." - Eric Simon, Amazin' Avenue
• Marlins: "Mike Stanton is taking live batting practice on the main field at Roger Dean Stadium. Stanton still isn't doing any running drills, as he recovers from his strained right quad." - MLB.com's Joe Frisaro, "The Fish Pond: Short takes from Edwin."
• Braves: "Alex Gonzalez: Atlanta Braves 2011 Player Preview." - gondee, Talking Chop
• Phillies: "'I think he’ll be fine,' Roy Oswalt said. 'It’s spring training so I don’t think they want to put him out there every day. I don’t think it will be a problem.'" - Roy Oswalt on Chase Utley - "Phils Notes: Hitting woes persist; surgery for Brown." - John R. Finger, CSNPhilly.com