Nationals’ Opening Day Lineup Prediction

Mar 2, 2014; Melbourne, FL, USA; Washington Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond (20) steals second base in front go Miami Marlins second baseman Derek Dietrich (32) in the first inning as the Nationals beat the Marlins 10-3 in a spring training exhibition game at Space Coast Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ian Desmond SS

2013 Stats: .280/.331/.453 HR 20  R 77 RBIs 80 SB 21

Ian Desmond is a great player to put in the five hole, as long as you trust that he will have the success that he has had the past two years. Desmond will have a great chance at surpassing the 100 RBI mark with Harper and Werth in front of him.

Desmond hitting fifth will also give Werth a lot of protection, which should benefit him greatly. Desmond has been the Nationals’ most consistent hitter the past two years and deserves to hit in the middle of the order where he will get plenty of key at bats.