New Looked Nats

By: Ben Raby

WASHINGTON- With the trade deadline passed and the Nationals' 38-70 record ranking last in the Majors, the Nats are officially looking towards 2009.

For the proof just look at tonight's anticipated lineup, where Alberto Gonzalez and Emilio Bonaficio (right) are likely to occupy the Nats' middle infield. Both will be making their National debuts.

Gonzalez has played 40 career big-league games, while Bonaficio has appeared in 19. Both were acquired within the past week, the shortstop Gonzalez coming from the Yankees system for minor league pitcher Johnny Nunez, while second baseman Bonaficio arrived from Arizona for closer John Rauch.

Bonaficio spent a week with Triple-A Columbus but is expected to stay in Washington for the remainder of 2008. The plan is to groom him to become the team's Opening Day second baseman next season.

Elijah Dukes (left) also returns to the lineup tonight after a stint on the DL. So with three players set to join or re-join the Nats active roster, some additional shuffling was needed.

It came as little surprise then when second baseman Felipe Lopez as well as veteran catchers Paul Lo Duca and Johnny Estrada were all released.

Fans will get their first chance to see Gonzalez and Bonaficio tonight from Nationals Park, as the Nats open a three-game series with Cincinnati. The Nationals have lost nine-straight, tying their season-high. Odalis Perez (3-8, 4.38 ERA) starts for Washington, while the Reds send out Homer Bailey (0-4, 6.52 ERA).