Unfortunately, there are only four available spots in the field for them, forcing Acta to do a musical chairs act in an attempt to find playing time for all of them.

The opening-day lineup will feature Nick Johnson at first base, Adam Dunn in left field, Lastings Milledge in center field and Austin Kearns in right field.

But don't be surprised if Acta shakes things up in the second game, with Elijah Dukes and Josh Willingham squeezing their way into the starting outfield.

"It's going to take a tremendous managing job by Manny to keep everyone sharp and keep them happy and focused," acting general manager Mike Rizzo said.

"It's a job Manny has in front of him. We think there are going to be enough at-bats to keep everyone sharp and at their best."

Acta does have plenty of options, thanks in part to several players' versatility. Dunn can move from left field to first base when Johnson needs a day off. Dukes can play all three outfield positions. Willingham is best suited in left field but can also play first base in a pinch.

"We have the options," Acta said. "And if anybody's not up to the task, then somebody else is going to go out there and play."

THE NATIONALS WILL CONTEND IF ...: A dozen or so things break their way. Among them: Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes continue to develop into legitimate outfielders, Ryan Zimmerman becomes a solid No. 3 hitter, Jordan Zimmermann and Shairon Martis jumps to the majors without a hitch, and the team's bullpen stays in one piece.

PRIMED FOR A BIG SEASON: CF Lastings Milledge was named the Nationals' leadoff hitter in late March. He has looked more comfortable in the outfield this spring, and he figures to steal more bases from his new spot in the lineup. He hit .318 with seven homers and 27 RBIs the last two months of the 2008 season.

ON THE DECLINE: RF Austin Kearns hit .217 in 86 games last season, and he could wind up losing the right field job to Elijah Dukes. Kearns will make $8 million this season, and the Nationals are shopping him to interested teams. But with his hefty deal and his lagging numbers, Kearns might spend the season as a reserve before leaving in free agency.