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Washington Nationals: Spring Training GameThread - John Lannan vs The New York Mets.

By Patrick Reddington
February 23, 2012; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher John Lannan (31) works out during camp at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE
February 23, 2012; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher John Lannan (31) works out during camp at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-US PRESSWIRE

It wasn't the best winter ever for John Lannan. He lost his arbitration case with the Washington Nationals. (Though the 27-year-old, 5-year veteran did get a raise from $2.75M to $5M.) Lannan's name came up in trade rumors when the Nats signed right-handed veteran Edwin Jackson. (Though as of today Lannan hasn't been traded.) With Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmermann and Jackson penciled in one-through-four in the rotation, there's a logjam at the back end with Chien-Ming Wang, Ross Detwiler and Lannan all up for the one spot remaining on the Opening Day roster and Lannan's the only one of the three with options remaining. Could the two-time Nats' Opening Day starter find himself in Triple-A Syracuse when the season begins? Will he be traded some time this Spring? Coming off a 2011 season in which the 6'4'' lefty was (10-13) with a career-low 3.70 ERA, a 4.28 FIP, 76 walks (3.70 BB/9) and 106 K's (5.17 K/9) in 33 starts and 184.2 IP, Lannan makes his first start of the Spring tonight against the New York Mets in a game that's being broadcast on the MLB Network in the D.C. area. Here's the lineup that's traveled to Port. St. Lucie, Florida's Digital Domain Ballpark to back Lannan up tonight as he and the Nats take on the Mets in Grapefruit League action...

  1. Roger Bernadina - LF
  2. Steve Lombardozzi - 2B
  3. Mark Teahan - 3B
  4. Chad Tracy - 1B
  5. Rick Ankiel - CF
  6. Bryce Harper - RF
  7. Jesus Flores - C
  8. Xavier Paul - DH
  9. Andres Blanco - SS
According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, Lannan will be followed on the mound by Craig Stammen, Ryan Perry, Waldis Joaquin, Rafael Martin and Atahualpha Severino. The Nationals have lost each of their first two Spring Training games, but wins and losses aren't the point, of course. Stephen Strasburg made his first start of the Spring. Bryce Harper's getting a good look in right field. The Nationals have a group of veterans including some in tonight's lineup who are fighting for spots on the bench, and they have enough young players in camp to keep the end of ST games interesting. Grapefruit League game three starts at 6:10 pm EST. MLB Network in D.C. SNY in NY. 1050 WFED on the radio (acc to the Nats). Who's Watching the Nationals?

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