Nats’ season interesting, at very least

There’s plenty that can be said about the Washington Nationals through the season’s first six weeks.

But at least they haven’t been boring.

From injury intrigue to roster changes to walk-off homers to blown leads, the Nationals haven’t failed to remain interesting so far in 2008. And given how much has transpired to date, it seems perhaps appropriate to go back and revisit some key developments (in an ode to a classic Clint Eastwood flick):

The good: The starting rotation, which was supposed to be the weakest link on the roster, has been surprisingly consistent and effective. The foursome of Shawn Hill, Odalis Perez, Tim Redding and John Lannan is a combined 7-9 with a 3.60 ERA.

The bad: The Nationals’ No. 5 starter hasn’t exactly matched his rotation mates’ performance. Matt Chico went 0-5 with a 6.87 ERA before getting demoted to the bullpen. His replacement, Mike O’Connor, allowed nine runs in 31/3 innings Saturday night. Does anyone have Jason Bergmann’s phone number in Columbus?

The ugly: On second thought, maybe it’s not time for Bergmann to come back to the District. In his last three big league innings, he was torched for 11 runs.

The good: Ryan Zimmerman authored a storybook ending to Opening Night at Nationals Park, launching a walk-off homer into the Red Porch to beat the Braves 3-2 before a sellout crowd.

The bad: Despite homering again a couple of days later in Philadelphia, Zimmerman then went 98 at-bats without a home run, the longest power drought of his career.

The ugly: Zimmerman’s season-long batting average with runners in scoring position: .105.

The good: Luis Ayala has returned to the form he displayed before having Tommy John surgery in 2006 and leads the majors in relief appearances, while Saul Rivera again has proved durable and reliable out of the bullpen.

The bad: Chad Cordero opened the season on the DL with shoulder tendinitis, then came back with a 76 mph fastball and tore a muscle that could keep him out until July.

The ugly: Joel Hanrahan has 19 walks and four wild pitches in 222/3 innings. (But, hey, he has a 95 mph fastball!)

The good: After three seasons of injuries and sub-.200 batting averages, Cristian Guzman is healthy and hitting over .300 while flying around the bases, finally making that $16.8 million contract look worthwhile.

The bad: After an inspiring comeback season following a string of personal setbacks, Dmitri Young hurt his lower back and hasn’t played since April 2.

The ugly: After getting cut by the Nationals in late March, former Opening Day starter John Patterson has been shut down by the Texas Rangers after experiencing forearm pain while pitching at extended spring training.

The good: Nationals Park is a hit with fans, boasts good sightlines, a huge HD scoreboard and a popular bar above the left-center field wall. Oh, and it turns out you actually can find a place to park in the neighborhood!

The bad: The Presidents Club — those primo seats right behind the plate that go for $325 a game — rarely are even half-full.

The ugly: Teddy still hasn’t won a Presidents Race, and the shtick is starting to get old.

The good: The Nationals went 8-3 on a homestand in late April and early May, playing a crisp brand of baseball that had the locals starting to take notice and believe the team is headed on the right track.

The bad: Following that impressive stretch, the Nationals have lost five of their next six …

The ugly: … including Saturday night’s 11-0 whitewashing at the hands of the Florida Marlins, their most lopsided game of the year.