My Team - Nationals versus Twins

Proposed starters -

Saturday: Gonzalez versus Correia
Sunday (GM 1): Zimmerman versus Diamond
Sunday (GM 2): Karns versus Deduno

(Starting pitchers subject to change)

Washington's Thursday night game against the Mets and the Friday night game against Minnesota were both rained out. So, we get a Saturday afternoon game and a Sunday day/night doubleheader against the Twins. After Wednesday's 10-1 drubbing at the hands of the Mets, Washington needs wins. What else is new?

The veteran Correia leads the team in innings pitched, wins and ERA. He's durable and competitive, but doesn't blow anyone away. His last start against Seattle, he went 6.2, giving up 8 hits (including 3 home runs). Diamond is a big left-hander with slightly worse numbers than Correia. His last start, also against Seattle, he threw 6 shutout innings (scattering 4 hits, with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts). Deduno is a long-time pro, who's bounced around a bit. His last start, against Kansas City, was also 6 shutout innings (4H, 2BB, 5K). These are the types of starters who may see the Nationals as "get-well" opportunities, since Washington struggles to score.

Offensively, between Mauer, Morneau, Doumit and former National Willingham, they have guys with doubles' power and occasional home run prowess. They're not much different than Washington, in that they have to win games without scoring 5-6 runs every night. Pitching and defense are keys for both teams this weekend.

Defensively, they catch the ball and throw it well. They've turned 190 double plays, while committing only 23 errors. Rookies Aaron Hicks (CF) and Pedro Florimon (SS) are defenders with lots of range.

I have no way to firm up my guesswork in this one. I hope the Nationals win all three. If they don't score, they could get swept. They're already in 3rd place in the NL East. Yeah, injuries have added up. But eventually, the guys on the field have to get it done.