Good morning from Lakeland, home of the Detroit Tigers, who amazingly have called this central Florida town their spring home since 1934! You think the Dodgers leaving Vero Beach is a big deal -- imagine if the Tigers ever left this place. Joker Marchant Stadium, though, underwent a major renovation a few years ago, so the place looks like it's brand new. Nice facility, and everyone will have a chance to see plenty of it today since the game is on ESPN at 1 p.m.

Yes, the announcing trio of Dan Shulman, Orel Hershiser and Steve Phillips just walked into the press box and immediately wondered how all three are going to fit into the tiny booth they've got here. Someown, I believe Phillips, compared it to one of those small clown cars that has an endless stream of people coming out the door.

Anyways, enjoy this rare opportunity to watch the Nats on TV, and in high-definition too! I have a hunch you'll see a couple (or a couple dozen) promos for the Opening Night telecast from Nationals Park.

Most of the Nats regulars are making the trip, I believe almost everyone but Ryan Zimmerman and Elijah Dukes (who is still nursing a strained hamstring). Tim Redding is on the hill today, facing the potent Detroit lineup (when Ivan Rodriguez is your No. 8 hitter, you're probably pretty good).