May 19 -- NATIONAL TREASURE

WASHINGTON -- So, we've arrived at Nationals Park, and thus far, I'm impressed. The ballpark is easy to get to (right off I-295), and from our seat in the press box, we can see the positively striking Capitol dome beyond the left-field wall. It appears to be a rather equitable ballpark, with the center-field fence 402 feet from home plate. The wall slants inward in right-center field. It's 335 down the right-field line, 336 down the line in left, and it's 377 to one of the bullpens in left-center. Looking forward to asking some of the Phillies throughout the week for their impressions on how this ballpark plays.

Over the next few days, as I get a chance to walk around more, I'll try to give you some flavor of the place. At some point, though, I'd definitely recommend taking a drive down here and checking it out for yourself. For now, though, here's tonight's lineup against Nats RHP Tim Redding (5-3, 3.55), who, you may recall, tossed seven one-hit innings against the Phils on April 2 at the Bank: SS Jimmy Rollins (.342/3/13), CF Shane Victorino (.235/1/7), 2B Chase Utley (.306/14/31), 1B Ryan Howard (.191/10/25), LF Pat Burrell (.292/10/32), RF Geoff Jenkins (.265/2/7), 3B Pedro Feliz (.233/6/18), C Carlos Ruiz (.235/1/13) and, tonight's biggest curiosity, RHP Brett Myers (2-4, 5.91).

More in a bit.