Better Off: Who's Looks Better Long Term, Nats or O's?

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THEY ARE SEPARATED BY a 45-minute drive, but unlike the Yankees and the Mets, or the Cubs and the White Sox, the Orioles and Nationals are each separated by at least a few good years from being the best teams in baseball. When the Orioles host the Nationals for three games starting Friday, the talk's not going to be about bragging rights, but instead about which team is in better shape for the future. Express breaks down five key positions to see who is closer to fielding a winning team.

» STARTING PITCHING:
The oft-injured but long-on-potential Shawn Hill starts for Washington in the series opener, while the most intriguing matchup may be Sunday's matinee between John Lannan and Jeremy Guthrie, left — two guys who could be part of their respective rotations for a long time. The Nats staff has four starters with ERAs under 4.00, but their staff will probably change significantly over the next few seasons as young pitchers make their way up. Baltimore's major league-ready staff looks better right now. Edge: O's

» RELIEF PITCHING:
Baltimore's new closer, George Sherrill, has converted 15 of 17 saves. But he's already 31 years old. O's middle man Jim Johnson is both young (25) and has given up just three runs in 22 2/3 innings. Nats relievers haven't been that dominant, but their strong showing last year makes this too close to call. At the rate teams turn over relievers, the advantage here will likely sway as these teams continue to build. Edge: Push

» INFIELDERS:
Both clubs have established major leaguers in the infield, none of which are burning up the stat sheet. Each team has a legit offensive threat, though Nats third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, right, is off to another slow start while Orioles' 2B Brian Roberts has a .353 on-base percentage. With the aging Melvin Mora and Kevin Millar not likely to be around when the Orioles start winning, Baltimore must make changes at two important hitting positions in the next few seasons. Edge: Nats

» OUTFIELDERS:
The Orioles feel they have two-thirds of their outfield of the future set with center fielder Adam Jones (.235), left, and right fielder Nick Markakis (.261, seven HRs). The Nationals are behind as far as major league-ready talent goes, but young prospects will get plenty of opportunities to earn a spot this year. Lastings Milledge is getting first crack, and the Nats will take their time evaluating him. Elijah Dukes will likely get the next shot. Edge: O's

» MINOR LEAGUES:
Both organizations' minor league systems were ranked in the top 15 by Baseball Prospectus at the start of the year. In Year 2 of "The Plan," Washington has first-baseman-in-waiting Chris Marrerro, along with a bevy of low minors pitching prospects. Still, none of those players is ready. Baltimore's top pick from last year — catcher Matt Wieters — has eight home runs this year at Single-A Frederick. Still, we won't know who had the better system this year until the prospects are producing — or fizzling — in the bigs. Edge: Push

Written by Express contributor Eric Brandner
Photos by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post; Elsa/Getty Images