Probable Starting Rotation:

Nationals 2005 starting rotation:

1. Livan Hernandez, RHP, 30
2004: 11-15 (win-loss) 35 (games) 255 (innings) 234 (hits allowed) 83-186 (BB-SO) 3.60 (ERA)

Hernandez is unquestionably the ace of the Nationals’ staff, with his ability to provide 220-250 innings a season. He is as strong as a horse and could provide the team with 15 wins, if given run support.

2. Tony Armas, RHP, 27
2004: 2-4 (win-loss) 16 (games) 72 (innings) 66 (hits allowed) 45-54 (BB-SO) 4.88 (ERA)

If healthy, Armas could be a solid second starter for the Nationals. He possesses solid stuff, although his control can waver at times. Armas needs to show that he can remain in the rotation for an entire season and 30-plus starts.

3. Tomo Ohka, RHP, 29
2004: 3-7 (win-loss) 15 (games) 84 2/3 (innings) 98 (hits allowed) 20-38 (BB-SO) 3.40 (ERA)

Ohka survives more on deception, changing speeds and control than anything else. He is a gutsy pitcher but if the Nationals have to rely on him to be anything more than a No. 3 or No. 4 starter they are in trouble. He also has to show that he can stay healthy and miss more bats.

4. Esteban Loaiza, RHP, 33
2004: 10-7 (win-loss) 31 (games) 183 (innings) 217 (hits allowed) 71-117 (BB-SO) 5.70 (ERA)

Loaiza has long been considered an enigma wrapped in a riddle. He possesses the ability to be a solid third or fourth member of the rotation - especially with the cut fastball he added two years ago - but his dedication has always been questioned. While with the Jays, Loaiza reportedly fielded cell phone calls from his girlfriend in the dugout during games.

THE FIFTH SPOT:
John Patterson, Claudio Vargas, Jon Rauch and Zach Day will all battle for the fifth spot, with the losers either headed to the bullpen or to triple-A. However, I believe all four pitchers are out of minor league options, which would mean that they will have to be placed on waivers if they don’t stick with the major league team. They will be profiled shortly.