Still, it's kind of cool that Mike O'Connor is starting for the Nats on St. Patrick's Day, isn't it? There was no master plan behind making that happen. Today is the No. 5 starter's day to pitch, and for the last two turns around the rotation, O'Connor has filled that spot. (Note: O'Connor is not going to make the Opening Day rotation. He's simply a place-filler at this point for a spot that eventually should go to Shawn Hill, once he's healthy.)

The Nats will be wearing green hats today to commemorate the holiday. Can't say they look all that good alongside the navy blue jerseys and red pullovers, but it's only a one-day thing.

Some Monday morning news to report:

-- Paul Lo Duca will once again catch in the minor-league game this morning and won't make his big-league game debut until Thursday night against the Astros. Though Lo Duca probably could play in games over here right now, the club prefers that he build up his stamina behind the plate in the more-controlled environment of the minor-league intrasquad game. Meanwhile, backup catcher Johnny Estrada (elbow) has begun a throwing program but obviously won't be ready for Opening Night.

-- Elijah Dukes (hamstring) and Ryan Zimmerman (hip) are back in the lineup today, though Zim is serving as DH so Aaron Boone can get some time in at third base.

-- If there was still a question about whether Hill is going to miraculously start on Opening Night, Manny Acta made the definitive statement this morning: "I don't think Shawn is going to be ready to go north."

OK, here's today's lineup against the Mets, who start lefty Oliver Perez:
SS Cristian Guzman
2B Bret Boone
DH Ryan Zimmerman
1B Dmitri Young
RF Austin Kearns
LF Elijah Dukes
3B Aaron Boone
C Jesus Flores
CF Justin Maxwell
P Mike O'Connor, followed by Jon Rauch, Luis Ayala and Chad Cordero.