Washington Nationals vs Philadelphia Phillies: Series Preview Q&A w/ That Ball's Outta Here.

The Washington Nationals and Philadelphia Phillies start a three-game series tonight in Citizens Bank Park with Edwin Jackson on the mound against Philly right Kyle Kendrick who's (0-1) in two starts (and one brief relief appearance) against the Nats this season in spite of the fact that he's only allowed three earned runs in 12.1 IP against Washington this year. Edwin Jackson's winless in three career starts against Philadelphia, and he's given up eight runs on 15 hits in 12.0 career innings pitched in the Phillies' home. I took some time last night to talk to (or answer questions via email from more accurately) Ethan Seidel of the Phillies' blog That Ball's Outta Here as part of a series preview. Here's more of me spreading the good word about the Nationals:

That Ball's Outta Here: Some Washingtonians have mused that Davey Johnson deserves manger of the year. Is this just home town favoritism or has the old man really earned the hardware?

Federal Baseball: First of all, I wouldn’t recommend calling him "old man" cause Davey’s still got a lot of fight in him and he might not react well to that. The Nationals have the best record in baseball. They’ve led their division for most of the season, they’re 30 games above .500 after finishing just below .500 last season. There is an argument to be made for Dusty Baker and Clint Hurdle or Bruce Bochy, but right now Johnson makes a lot of sense as the manager of the year. 7 of the last 12 NL Manager’s of the Year have been first place teams from their division. Given the choice between Johnson, Baker and Bochy I’m going with Johnson.

• Check out the rest of the Q&A HERE.