Inside: The Week In Sports

Baseball
And they're off in the Rocket Derby • Washington's asking price for righty Chad Cordero: "Ridiculous" • Three players under the April microscope

The NFL
Texans have high hopes for their new QB but aren't expecting him to work miracles • The second-string quarterbacks with the most promise

NASCAR
Here comes Jeff Gordon—and he looks mad • Juan Pablo Montoya's on the fast track • Kasey Kahne is the biggest disappointment so far

PHOTO

Photograph by Simon Bruty

 TRIPLETHREAT The Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman slides safely into third after driving theball to deep right in the first inning of Monday's opener against the Marlinsat RFK Stadium. Zimmerman didn't score, however, and Washington lost9--2.