The day before Stephen Strasburg’s debut, Bryce Harper will probably get drafted #1 by the Washington Nationals (Sports Illustrated). I think up until at least 7 p.m. June 8, the optimism in D.C. will be at just about an all-time high for baseball. Maybe June 2005 was higher.

Joe Posnanski is a bit skeptical, but would make the pick.

Keith Law is excited about Strasburg (DC Sports Bog, The Post).

Barry Svrluga is going to spend the next ten days posting about the Nats big ’05 winning streak. The first entry includes a where are they now with Gary Bennett. I know one barn owner is swooning.

This Then & Now graphic is an excellent companion piece to the all of the Svrluga stuff.

Thomas Boswell thinks the Orioles remaining D.C. area fan base is dying. Let’s hope so, treason isn’t cool.

Mike Rizzo had lunch with Lindsay Czarniak. – NBC Washington

The Nationals Review says that despite all the errors, the Nats defense is better.

Lance Berkman did not check his swing – Mr. Irrelevant