The Good, Bad and Ugly: Washington Nationals Rocked on Opening Day

THE RESULT

Washington Nationals opening day starter John Lannan was rocked for six earned runs in three innings, including two homers, and former Nat Emilio Bonifacio ran rampant, going 4-for-5 with four runs, three steals and an inside-the-park home run (first on opening day since 1968) as the Florida Marlins cruised to a 12-6 victory before 34,000-plus at Dolphin Stadium.

THE TAKEAWAY

The coincidence of Bonifacio looking like the second coming of Lou Brock today notwithstanding, today certainly illustrated many of the Nats obvious faults right from the get-go. This will be one of the league's worst fielding teams, though the traditional stats might say otherwise, since you have to get your glove on the ball in the first place to get awarded an error.

And the bullpen has a chance to be even worse than last year's mess. Wil Ledezma keeps getting chances, but he's never prospered. Julian Tavarez is rubber-armed and willing, but there's not much left in his tank. And the idea that this team is sending better players to the minors because of options is a little silly. Garrett Mock and Jason Bergman will be back soon.

All in all, a disappointment on opening day, especially if you came into it with delusions of grandeur. But it is just one day, however magnified it is. If (when) this happens in the middle of July, it's just another day. This team will have its share too. There's enough pop (when the right line-up is on the field) to scare some people. This season is all about looking for the bright spots.

THE GOOD: Adam Dunn. As advertised, Dunn hit a mammoth home run, scored twice, drove in four, struck out and misplayed a fairly routine fly ball into a two-run double.

THE BAD: Lastings Milledge. The newly-appointed lead-off hitter went 0-for-4, struck out twice and swung at the first pitch of the game. Also misplayed a fly ball that turned into Bonifacio's home run.

THE UGLY: Plenty of candidates. Julian Tavarez, Wil Ledezma and Steven Shell offered no relief today. Lannan was hammered (not the good kind of hammered). Ryan Zimmerman went 0-for-4 with two Ks. Josh Bard pinch-hit while Josh Willingham and Elijah Dukes sat on the bench.

NEXT GAME: Tuesday at 7:10 pm. Scott Olsen (8-11, 4.20 in 201.2 IP in 2008) takes on Josh Johnson (7-1, 3.61 in 87.1 IP) and the rest of his former mates in game two of 2009.