Washington's 12-6 loss to the Marlins on opening day bore some striking resemblances to many of its big-league-leading 102 losses a year ago. The defense committed two errors and looked shaky on several other plays. Batters didn't execute fundamentals at the plate. And the bullpen allowed the game to get out of hand, spoiling any chance of a comeback.

The defensive struggles were particularly disturbing. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman and second baseman Ronnie Belliard each committed errors. Zimmerman also botched a slow bouncer that was ruled a hit, and left fielder Adam Dunn misplayed a first-inning line drive into a double.

The Nationals led the National League with 146 errors in 2008, but manager Manny Acta was hopeful things would be different this year with Zimmerman and first baseman Nick Johnson back healthy. The manager said he wasn't going to call this team "sloppy" in the field after only one game, but it's clear the Nationals can't afford to give away outs if they are to make any significant progress in 2009.

MARLINS 12, NATIONALS 6: An opening day filled with hope and optimism quickly came crashing down as Washington fell into an early 6-0 hole and never recovered at Dolphin Stadium. Starter John Lannan was roughed up for six runs in only three innings, and the Nationals bullpen let things get out of control late, with right-hander Steven Shell serving up a sixth-inning grand slam to Hanley Ramirez (the Marlins' fourth homer of the game).