Three Up, Three Down

W. Harris: Nats move utility speedster into leadoff spot. Why all of a sudden would they want a leadoff guy who works counts, draws walks and steals bases? Beats the heck out of us.

T. Hamilton: Former Post baseball editor debuts as columnist with tepid endorsement of Acta, or roughly the same stance she took after editing "Three Up, Three Down" each week.

A.Kearns: Nats RF hits run-scoring single Saturday for first RBI in seven weeks. More importantly, prorated amount for Nats to swallow if they release him drops to $4.2 million.

"I Am the Village Idiot": In Press Club speech, Nats prez S. Kasten shoulders blame for team's woes. More graciousness: also manages to limit self to seven references to 1990s Braves.

Battle of the Beltways: Nats/O's interleague series once again features two last-place teams, zero buzz. Highlight? The spirited Dibble/Palmer brag-off in merged MASN booth.

M. Wieters: O's ballyhooed rookie makes two costly misplays Sunday, is batting .234/.289/.390. Wanna get away, kid? Southwest flies daily from BWI to Norfolk.