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Nationals notebook Date published: 3/28/2007 By TODD JACOBSON BY TODD JACOBSON VIERA, Fla.--Nook Logan stood in center field before yesterday's game, shagging any occasional flyball that flew his way. When the Nationals open the season Monday against the Florida Marlins, he expects to be there again--and in the starting lineup. Logan, who strained his right groin Saturday, said he feels healthy enough to play opening day, and manager Manny Acta backtracked on previous comments, saying Logan's injury was a "day-to-day thing now instead of the two weeks we talked about before." "I have a little soreness but there's no pain, no extra pain when I'm doing activities," Logan said. "It's improving every day." Logan has tested his groin through stretching, light weightlifting and running on a treadmill, and he said he should be able to take batting practice today. The next step would be playing in an exhibition game this weekend. Logan's presence on the opening day roster would create a headache for Nationals officials, who would be forced to choose between an extra outfielder (presumably rookie Kory Casto) and a 12th pitcher. "I think I'll be ready to play this weekend," Logan said. "Actually, I could play right now. If this was the season right now I'd be playing." Sales slumpTeam president Stan Kasten said season ticket sales have declined by about 6.3 percent this season, down 1,000 from approximately 16,000 last year as the Nationals prepare for their final season in RFK Stadium. Kasten declined to give the actual ticket sales numbers, but said he was optimistic the team could come close to last year's numbers by opening day. The club has sold close to 30,000 seats for opening day against the Florida Marlins on Monday. "We'd like to sell out every night, but it's clear we're going to have a strong, strong crowd and we're happy to have them," Kasten said. The Nationals drew 2.15 million fans to RFK Stadium last season, down from 2.73 million in 2005. Simontacchi staying behind
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