The Phillies have the left-handed lineup out there this afternoon, meaning they're prepared to take on lefty pitcher Matt Chico of the Washington Nationals.
At first glance Chico seems to be an odd choice for an Opening Day starter until one realizes that it is not Opening Day for the Nats. Fotr some silly reason they had to play a single game against the Atlanta Braves last night on ESPN to open up their brand-new ballpark, and then roll up to Philly to start the season in earnest.
What the...
Why not just let the Nats open the season at home or - even better - allow them to play a week on the road before returning to The District for an opening series.
Crazy.
Anyway, the lineups:
Phillies 11 - Rollins, ss 8 - Victorino, cf 26 - Utley, 2b 6 - Howard, 1b 5 - Burrell, lf 7 - Feliz, 3b 28 - Werth, rf 51 - Ruiz, c 39 - Myers, p
Nationals 15 - Guzman, ss 44 - Milledge, cf 11 - Zimmerman, 3b 24 - Johnson, 1b 25 - Kearns, rf 16 - Lo Duca, c 10 - Belliard, 2b 1 - Harris, lf 47 - Chico, p