Earth to Jupiter

Nationals took yesterday off, so Nationals Journal did too. Apologies for no advance notice in that regard. I'm sure it ruined your day(s).

(Advance warning today: May be mentally taking it off. In Jupiter now. Have two-hour drive to Orlando to catch 7:55 p.m. flight back to D.C. to spend weekend at home (hmmmm, NCAA tourney on TV this weekend?) before returning on Sunday night. Coverage will be left in the more-than capable hands of Dave Sheinin, who is currently seated to my right. Enjoy!)

Anyway, here's your lineups. Big start today for Jason Simontacchi in terms of securing his spot in the rotation. (Hmmmm. Maybe that'd be a good topic for a story in tomorrow's actual, ink-and-paper product (only $.35).) Also, Cristian Guzman's first appearance on defense in a major league game this spring. You could cut the tension with a (butter) knife.

Nationals:
Lopez -- 4
Guzman -- 6
Zimmerman -- 5
Church -- 7
Nunez -- 8
Schneider -- 2
Lee -- 3
Restovich -- 9
Simontacchi -- 1

Cardinals:
Jolbert Cabrera -- 6
Rick Ankiel -- 8 (that's pretty fascinating, isn't it?)
Albert Pujols -- 3
Scott Rolen -- 5
John Rodriguez -- 9
Preston Wilson -- 7
Aaron Miles -- 4
Gary Bennett -- 2
Anthony Reyes -- 1

More later.