[C] Paul Lo Duca Backup: Johnny Estrada (on disabled list); Jes¿s Flores

Last year, his batting average (.272) and on-base percentage (.311) were his lowest since he became a starter in 2001. But the Nationals are optimistic that Brian Schneider's replacement could enhance the offense even as he, potentially, hinders the defense. Lo Duca's lowest average as a starter is higher than Schneider's best (.268). In the view of Nationals officials, that could make it much more difficult for opponents to navigate the bottom of Washington's order. Hit him, say, seventh, and the Nationals could turn over the order much more frequently. From 2005 to '07, Schneider ranked third in the NL in throwing out runners, Lo Duca 12th. But he takes pride in handling a staff, and some Nats believe a few pitchers could be surprised by Lo Duca's willingness to get in faces.

2007 STATISTICS		VITAL STATISTICS
Games: 119 At-bats: 445 Runs: 46 Hits: 121 Average: .272	Doubles: 18 Triples: 1 Homers: 9 RBI: 54 Steals: 2	Walks: 24 Strikeouts: 33 OBP: .311 Slugging: .378 Errors: 9				Number: 16 Age: 35 Experience: 8 years 42 days Salary: $5 million	Height: 5-10 Weight: 205 Bats: R Throws: R