WASHINGTON -- There's a good reason the Nationals are excited about the upcoming season -- they're going to play in a brand-new ballpark and bring more excitement to the diamond, especially after general manager Jim Bowden made a handful of deals to give Nats fans something to cheer about in 2008.

Outfielders Lastings Milledge and Elijah Dukes, infielder Aaron Boone, catcher Paul Lo Duca and right-handed pitcher Tyler Clippard are all expected to be major contributors to a club that finished fourth in the National League East.

After two years on the bench with the Mets, Milledge will get the opportunity to start in center field for the Nationals. Considered by many to be a rising star, the Nats are hoping Milledge will provide power and speed to a lineup that finished last in runs scored in 2007.

From the Rays, Bowden acquired Dukes, who is expected to bring both power and athleticism to the Nats, both of which were in short order in Washington in 2007. The pitching staff continued to get younger, as the club acquired Clippard from the Yankees for right-hander Jonathan Albaladejo. Clippard is expected to compete for a rotation spot during Spring Training.

Last year, Dmitri Young was the only true leader in the locker room, so Bowden added a clubhouse presence by signing Boone, who replaces Tony Batista as the first option off the bench.

Lo Duca, who knows how to work the count and call a good game, will be a better hitter than veteran Brian Schneider, who was traded to the Mets, along with outfielder Ryan Church, in the Milledge deal.

"It's exciting," said Manny Acta, who will be entering his second year as the Nats' manager. "I think we have gotten better. There is no doubt in my mind. Our roster is changing, but for the good."

The Nationals declined to publicly predict how well they'll do in '08, but privately, they feel that they can at least finish over the .500 threshold. Besides the improved offense, the Nationals have a deep bullpen, which is led by closer Chad Cordero. However, the big key is the starting pitching.

Right-handers Shawn Hill and Jason Bergmann will be counted on to anchor a staff that was unable to boast one 10-game winner last season. They've proven, if healthy, that they can be quality pitchers.

	Season in Preview A lot can change by Opening Day, but as 2007 becomes 2008, this is who is projected to take the field for the Nationals:
	SS	Cristian Guzman
	CF	Lastings Milledge
	3B	Ryan Zimmerman
	1B	Dmitri Young
	RF	Austin Kearns
	LF	Wily Mo Pena
	2B	Ronnie Belliard
	C	Paul Lo Duca
	SP	Shawn Hill
	SP	John Patterson
	SP	Jason Bergmann
	SP	John Lannan
	SP	Matt Chico
	CL	Chad Cordero
	Schedules: Spring | Regular season Tickets: Spring | Regular season More previews: Select a team MLB Angels Astros Athletics Blue Jays Braves Brewers Cardinals Cubs D-backs Dodgers Giants Indians Mariners Marlins Mets Nationals Orioles Padres Phillies Pirates Rangers RaysRed Sox Reds Rockies Royals Tigers Twins White Sox Yankees

Look for youngsters such as John Lannan and Garrett Mock to get a chance and prove they belong in the big leagues.

Grading on a curve: The Nationals were one of the busiest teams during the offseason. They upgraded their offense and added more depth and leadership. Milledge is considered to be an upgrade from Church and Nook Logan in center field. Dukes could also be a special player off the bench if he gets his act together. Boone is expected to help Young in the leadership department. On a scale of 1 to 10, give the Nats an 8 for now.

Arrivals: INF Boone, RHP Clippard, OF Dukes, OF Willie Harris, LHP Ray King, OF Rob Mackowiak, OF Milledge and INF Pete Orr.

Departures: RHP Albaladejo, INF Batista, OF Church, INF Robert Fick, INF D'Angelo Jimenez, OF Logan and C Schneider.

The Road Ahead: The team has young starting pitching, so look for Bowden to scour the market for some veteran help. But the Nationals are not willing to go on a wild spending spree, so look for them to have interest in pitchers such as Freddy Garcia and Jason Jennings, who are both coming off injuries.