Let’s start by looking at the lengthy piece (The Post) about the Nats braintrust, from Mark Lerner to Jim Bowden with Stan Kasten in between. Bowden says there is “tremendous synergy” between the three and that the Lerner family are “great human beings.” Kasten liked that Bowden’s experience with the Reds was one with cheap ownership and says “I felt good enough about what was here to give Jim the first shot.” While that is not exactly “you’re doing a heck of a job, Jimmy,” it isn’t a ringing endorsement either.

Bowden was stumping for a job with Lerner as early as spring training 2005. They hit it off within two minutes, but Lerner insists that Kasten had full control over what general manager would be working for him.

Coming off a career year when he had career highs in most categories, much more is expected of RF Austin Kearns (The Wash. Times). He is comfortable with that and the large contract he signed in the offseason. Until 1B Nick Johnson returns, Kearns will bat cleanup.

Opening Day probably won’t include the president (The Wash. Times), so expect the grandson of Walter Johnson to throw out the first pitch. Former Senators Mickey Vernon and Chuck Hinton are expected to be in attendance too. The national anthem will be performed by The U.S. Army Marching Band and Herald Trumpets. The U.S. Army Chorale will also be there. Mayor Adrian Fenty has been invited as well, though the article does not indicate whether he will attend.

There will be an autograph session with the racing presidents too.

Sorry Kory Casto, Nook Logan’s groin is feeling better (The Post & The Wash. Times).

On the field, the Nats tied Balmer 3-3 in Columbus yesterday (ESPN Boxscore). Shawn Hill had the Nats longest outing of the spring: 7 IP 3R 2 ER 1 BB 6 K.

3B Ryan Zimmerman participates in a Q&A with his hometown newspaper (The Virginia-Pilot). There is also a season preview.