Red Sox-Nationals (June 19, 20, & 21)

The Washington Nationals make their first trip to Fenway Park, opening a three game set with the Red Sox beginning tonight at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. Kyle Snyder (0-1, 22.50), who was just picked up by the Sox from the Kansas City Royals, makes his BoSox debut against Tony Armas (6-3, 4.18). Snyder is filling in for Matt Clement, who was put on the DL on Friday, and I have serious doubts about a pitcher who couldn't cut it in KC making a successful turn in Boston. We'll see. Armas, one of the prospects traded in November of 1997 by Dan Duquette for Pedro Martinez (Trivia: Who was the other prospect? Answer at the bottom). He has been a bright spot in Washington and will probably be moved this July to a contender -- possibly even Boston. Tim Wakefield (4-8, 3.97), a victim of a lack of run support recently, gets the ball tomorrow night against Livan Hernandez (5-7, 5.18) at 7:05 on NESN and WEEI. Hernandez is another Nationals hurler who may be looking for new digs this July. On Thursday night, Jon Lester (1-0, 3.48), coming off of a strong outing Friday night in Atlanta, will be opposed by Shawn Hill (1-1, 2.42). This is a 7:05 game on NESN and WEEI. The Nationals are hot right now -- taking 2-of-3 from the Yankees over the weekend -- but the Red Sox should win this series. The Red Sox are in a position to pull away from the banged up Yankees and Blue Jays and need to seize this opportunity to make a move in the AL East. (Trivia Answer: Carl Pavano.)