Nats Still Don’t Know Opening Day Pitcher – The Post
Left-hander Perez granted work visa – nationals.com
Nats reportedly have interest in Weaver – nationals.com
Remember how eager we were for a new and improved rotation compared to last year? Things don’t seem so optimistic with Shawn Hill ailing, again. It is quite possible that they will go with a four man rotation until April 13. Who will pitch Opening Night is a unknown too, since Hill was penciled in for that honor. My guess it will be John Patterson or Odalis Perez, who should get his work visa worked out today, but there is a sick part of me that wants to say Mike Bascik. Jeff Weaver is said to be in discussion with the Nationals as well.

Patterson gives healthy effort in return – The Wash. Times
Nationals, Braves tie – AP/Florida Today
Patterson pitched three scoreless innings with 3 strikeouts and 3 singles against Atlanta. He labored though, having to leave after three innings instead of four because he reached his pitch limit. The game ended in a tie after 11 innings.

King trims the fat, rejuvenates career – The Wash. Times
Ray King has decreased in mass this offseason.

Hanrahan Looking Sharp As a Reliever – The Post
Joel Hanrahan is being used as a reliever this year, a role that may suit him and the Nationals. He struggled as a starter last year. Yesterday, he faced 10 batters and struck out 8 of them. We’ve Got Heart recently spoke with him in Viera.

Hip sidelines Zimmerman – The Wash. Times
3B Ryan Zimmerman left yesterday’s game with a hip flexor after sliding into home. He says he could have stayed in, but wasn’t going to risk it for spring training. He will take today off. Feel free to panic and envision a Bo Jackson scenario.

Barry Svrluga is chatting today!