The Nationals Enquirer

Enquirer Answers The Mail Bag!

Back by popular demand, The Nationals Enquirer answers the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson. Bill provided his answers yesterday. Now it's our turn.

With shortstop Royce Clayton talking to the Nationals, is there any chance that Cristian Guzman could lose his starting position after such a bad year? I would much rather see Clayton at shortstop.  -- E.K., Harrisonburg, Va.

Not if Jim Bowden is still with the organization when new ownership finally steps in. Even if he gets off to a bad spring training, Guzman will start the season at short. He'll be given every opportunity to turn things around from last year. We believe he'll bounce back with a good season, but if the calendar turns to May and he's still making like '05, and the 80 year old Clayton is on the roster, then yeah, sure, Robinson will probably switch things up.

Does general manager Jim Bowden realize that what the Nationals really need right now is a starting pitcher? He's busy trying to sign Sammy Sosa and Clayton, but last I checked, neither of those guys can pitch. We already have a glut of outfielders fighting for playing time.
-- W.E., Arlington, Va.

We put in a call to Bowden himself to ask him if he realizes that what the Nationals need is starting pitching help, but we got his voicemail. He never called back.

What role, if any, will right-hander Darrell Rasner play in Washington in 2006?
-- B.S., Wisconsin Rapids, Wis.

Rasner will be in the starting rotation by June.

I looked on the World Baseball Classic roster for the Dominican team and it has Sosa on it. So how does that affect his chances of signing with the Nationals?
-- T.M., Kissimmee, Fla.

Sosa won't risk stinking it up at the WBC - a bad showing would effectively punch his ticket to Japan.

Who do you think is the franchise player of the Nationals? -- J.S., Washington

Bowden would tell you Zimmerman, but we'd like to see him play a full season somewhere before making that judgment. Instead, we put the names of everyone on the Nats' 40-man roster into a hat and picked at random. And the answer is...Jamey Carroll!

If they make the final roster, would Jose Vidro or Jose Guillen participate in the World Baseball Classic?  -- D.C., Nova Scotia, Canada

No, and no. And enough of the World Baseball Classic questions! Is someone planting these things?

Are the Nationals going to get any more catchers? I know Brian Schneider is fantastic, but what if he gets hurt? -- I.J., Washington

Robert Fick will be fine to give Schneider a day off every now and then, but we agree with your sentiment: a real live backup catcher would be good to have in the event that Schneider gets hurt or something.

(all questions taken from The Washington Nationals Official Website; please don't sue us. Thank you)

Much Ado About Nothing

District and MLB reach agreement on a revised stadium lease, but does this really change anything?

Isn't the biggest sticking point in this whole deal the problem of how to handle cost overruns? Sounds like this wasn't even specifically addressed.

Williams promised to send more documentation about capping stadium costs in a separate document called the Construction Administration Agreement...That agreement, which is expected to specify how the construction companies contracted by the city would build the stadium, will be voted on separately by the council (via Washington Post 1/28/2006)

So now we're talking about something else for the City Council to vote on?

"We haven't seen the documents. . . . I'm not sure we settled anything." (Vincent Gray, Ward 7 councilman, via Washington Post 1/28/2006)

Council Chair Linda W. Cropp said she had not seen details of the new deal but said if the agreement meets the concerns of council members, she would schedule a vote for Feb. 7. (via AP/Yahoo.com 1/27/2006)

Mrs. Cropp said the changes yesterday should be enough to get the seven votes and 'possibly more' if all 12 requests are met. (via Washington Times 1/28/2006)

So nothing has changed - the vote on Feb. 7 still hinges on an agreement that meets the council's Dirty Dozen demands. And it doesn't seem likely that MLB will bow to the demand for local ownership simply because that's what the District wants. The last paragraph of the article in today's Post sums up baseball's stance:

Council members also had asked baseball to select an ownership group for the Nationals that has strong local ties. But the letter simply said the 'MLB Constitution, the ownership guidelines and the best interests of the sport will guide the selection.' (via Washington Post 1/28/2006)

So we'll see what happens when the votes are cast on Feb. 7.

Guillen: "I Might Be There."

Somewhere, Michael Tucker Is Smiling (Probably Sammy, Too)

"They told me I hopefully would start swinging a bat in the first week of spring training, but I'm not in a rush...That was a really serious injury. It was pretty much a reconstructed shoulder. It's going to take me a while to heal and get that shoulder strong. I'm going to take everything step by step, and when it's ready, it's ready. If I have to miss, you know, the first month, the first three weeks, I'm going to miss it." (Jose Guillen via AP/WJLA.com 1/27/2006)

Ok, so Jose is now singing a slightly different tune than three weeks ago:

"I feel great...I'm doing perfect, better than anybody expected me to be. I'm so happy about it." (Jose Guillen via Washington Post 1/06/2006)

Not good, but then again, not entirely surprising.

Jose also had some interesting (but again, not entirely surprising) things to say about his friend, Mr. "There Is No I In Team", including:

"He told me that he's not an outfielder." (Jose Guillen via AP/WJLA.com 1/27/2006)

(Photo from OC Register dot com)

Nats Hire Wetteland

Nats hire John Wetteland as bullpen coach, representing the final piece of Jim Bowden's Frank Robinson's 'high energy' coaching staff.

"I couldn't be more pleased to add one of the best young pitching minds in baseball to our coaching staff...John's high energy, passion, temperament and knowledge will provide invaluable resources for all of our pitchers." (Jim Bowden via AP/SI.com 1/27/2006)

Boz Is Back!

A brief synopsis of Boz's first baseball column of 2006: He starts off a bit misty eyed, then mentions the Orioles three times, gets a bit frisky about Anna Benson, says something about getting tickled, mentions the Red Sox and Theo Epstein a few times, then in paragraph eleven he gets around to the Nats, but never mentions them by name. He makes a funny about Soriano signing for $50 mil, mumbles about the stadium fiasco a little bit, takes a shot at Marion Barry, and just like that, he's gone.

(Boz photo from SI.com)

Despite "Snags", Williams Optimisitic

"There are some snags, but I think we're making headway...I'm hopeful that everybody's in agreement by the time we submit this." (Mayor Anthony Williams, via Washington Times 1/26/2006)

"I'm going by my own separate conversations ... but most importantly and primarily the word of Chairman Cropp, who, a couple weeks ago, as the letter on the lease said, if we can get agreement on these points we can have an accord that agrees with the majority of the council." (Mayor Williams, via DC Examiner 1/26/2006)

Coming Soon To A Ballpark Near You?

"So there was a serious rift between Theo and, yup, Larry Lucchino, a rift that apparently has been healed, although pardon us if we adopt a wait-and-see attitude. Only if Lucchino is still here a year hence can we be sure that the rapprochement is legit. John Henry has said something to make Theo happy. What is it? Will Theo now answer directly to him, and not Lucchino? If so, can Lucchino handle it? Has Theo been assured that he'll handle baseball and the CEO will handle everything else? Really, now. Nothing else makes sense." (Bob Ryan via Boston Globe 1/25/2006)

When the news of Theo Epstein's return to the Red Sox front office was announced last week, the first question that came to mind was: "What does this mean for Larry Lucchino?" The situation was left open-ended by the club, although principal owner John W. Henry went on record to say that Lucchino's role with the team would not change. But it all seemed so odd, and the next question that came to mind was: "Could this have anything to do with the Nationals?" And so we proposed the idea that Larry Lucchino could be on his way to Washington. We've got no evidence for any of this, it's just mindless rambling:

The Red Sox made it official with a press release yesterday; Epstein assumes his old position as GM, and he's still reporting directly to CEO Lucchino. Strange. What's going on here?

As Ryan Bob Ryan put it: "John Henry has said something to make Theo happy. What is it?"

Shortly before Bud Selig sold the Red Sox to "the highest bidder" in 2002, John W. Henry owned the Florida Marlins. Jeffrey Loria owned les Montreal Expos. Talk of contraction was in the air. But faster than you can say "bag job", Selig pulled a sleight of hand trick and Loria bought the Marlins from Henry and Bud oversaw the sale of  the Red Sox to his guys: a group led by John Henry (Henry as majority owner has around 80% of the shares; Lucchino is a minority owner). And then there were the Montreal Expos, who began their lonely, nomadic existence under MLB ownership.

It appears that the District and MLB are finally stumbling towards the finish line with the lease agreement. Mayor Williams and his people will submit yet another revamped stadium plan to the City Council by Friday so it can be yay-ed or nay-ed on February 7th. The city is hoping to start kicking people out of the stadium footprint the same day. So maybe, just maybe, this deal might get done, and...

...in the next few weeks Selig could announce the winner of the Washington Nationals sweepstakes. And we're guessing that it will be a bigger bag job than the Boston deal, where pressure for local ownership was just as intense as it is here in DC. But in the end it didn't matter who had the local ties or the most money: Bud picked his guys. It was that simple. And in this case, Smulyan is Selig's guy. But he's an outsider. He needs someone to run things for him - and that someone will be Larry Lucchino, another one of Selig's guys. Ties to Washington? Check. Experience running a ballclub? Check. Experience building a stadium? Check (see Camden Yards). Lucchino will assume the role of CEO of the Nationals.

So to borrow from Bob Ryan again: "John Henry has said something to make Theo happy. What is it?"

Was it  something like: "Come back, and you're my CEO. Larry's leaving for Washington."?

(Image of Larry Lucchino via Portland Sea Dogs dot com)

No Deal, But City Moves In To Clear Out Landowners In Stadium Footprint

"If the March 1, 2008 deadline is to be met, and the District is to meet the obligations imposed upon it and avoid the significant penalties I am informed it may face for delay, then it must make every effort to adhere to and stay on the aggressive schedule we have established and minimize any delays." (Thomas A. Engers, stadium construction manager via Washington Post 1/25/2006)

In other words, if you own land in the stadium footprint: You lose!

More importantly, no word on whether the city would consider our proposal to further cut costs by eliminating restrooms and running water from the facility and installing two port-a-pottys outside the main entrance to the stadium. (Image swiped from ballparks.com)

"Good Fit": Nats Interested In (Attempted) Murder Suspect Urbina?

"Urbina, 31, is currently in a Venezuelan prison on attempted murder charges. The source said if Urbina is set free, he could be a good fit out of the bullpen for the Nationals." (via Nationals.com, 1/24/2006)

"The 31-year-old pitcher is accused of joining a group of men in attacking and injuring five workers with machetes and pouring gasoline on them at his family's ranch about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Caracas on Oct. 16. Urbina has repeatedly denied he had anything to do with the violence, saying he was sleeping at the time of the attack. Police said the incident began in a dispute over a handgun." (via CBS Sportsline 12/15/2005)

Operation Port-a-Potty: DC Gov't Proposes Stadium Design Changes To Cut Costs

"None of the proposed changes to the ballpark design would impact the fans' experience." (Vince Morris, spokesman for Mayor Williams, via Washington Post 1/21/2006)

What Morris didn't mention is that one option involves eliminating all restrooms and indoor plumbing from the stadium, and installing two port-a-pottys (above) outside the main entrance to the stadium.

Enquirer Answers MLB.com Mail Bag!

Back by popular demand, The Nationals Enquirer answers the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson. Bill already provided his answers earlier today. We'll take our best shot at it here. Read on:

I think adding Davey Lopes and Mitchell Page to the coaching staff are excellent moves. Do you think they will change Alfonso Soriano's mind about playing the outfield? -- T. W., Alexandria, Va.

T.W., we don't think Lopes or Page can do much to change Alfonso's mind, but we believe that Frank Robinson and a Louisville Slugger can.

It's obvious that Soriano does not want to play the outfield. Has any Major Leaguer ever flat out refused to play a position? -- D.C., North Hero, Vt.

While he didn't refuse to play last season, it could be argued that Cristian Guzman might have had a more successful season last year had he refused to play and not shown up at all. But that doesn't really answer your question. Did we mention that we think Guzman is going to have a big year? Stop laughing! We're serious!

The Nationals used 55 players last year, an unheard of amount. What are they doing to upgrade their conditioning and preventing these injuries in the future?     -- M.Z., Utica, N.Y.

In one of their more underrated moves of the offseason, the Nats purchased a new Tony Little Gazelle Plus for the clubhouse!

What is Tony Blanco's future with the Nationals? -- A.C., Montreal

Dunno.

What was the reason why the Nationals signed Nick Johnson to only a one-year deal? -- K. F., McLean, Va.

Larry Broadway.

What is the Nationals' stance on video scouting? It is my understanding that when they were in Montreal, they spent less than $10,000 on video equipment and personnel, which most probably had a lot to do with their misfortunes at the plate.     -- A. O., Montreal

Yes, and what's worse is that it was $10,000 CANADIAN, which means something like $750 AMERICAN. To add insult to injury, the equipment was seized by U.S. Customs when the team moved out of Montreal and tried to get over the border.

Since Bowden believes in second chances, would he give Rafael Palmeiro a chance? -- R.F., Waynesboro, Va.

Bwwwwaaaaaaaa!!! Ha hahaha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!

(all questions swiped from The Washington Nationals Official Website; please don't sue us. Thank you)

Welcome to DC, Jags

"I am proud to continue the tradition of broadcasters who move from McCoy Stadium to the majors...I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone with the PawSox for allowing me to be a part of a great organization and a memorable 2005 season. This opportunity with the Washington Nationals is a dream come true. The D.C. area is passionate about baseball and I look forward to getting started." (Dave Jageler via PawSox.com 1/20/2006)

(Image swiped from www.pawsox.com)

No Surprises From AZ Owners Meetings: Selig Offers Nothing New

"You know, life doesn't always move just as you'd like it...Of course, if I had my druthers, this would have been over a long time ago. But there are a lot of things that have happened, and I wouldn't do anything differently.

I know I've heard some criticism of us, particularly in Washington, which I think is unfair but everybody's entitled to their opinion. But look, if you were buying a team the first question you'd ask is, `What's the stadium situation and what's my lease?'

When I know we are getting close, I'll make a decision."

(Bud Selig, via CBS SportsLine.com 1/19/2006, sticking it to the District, delaying the inevitable announcement that Jeff Smulyan will be the new owner of the Washington Nationals)

Larry's Next Stop: Washington?

Could the return of Theo Epstein to Boston mean the eventual return of Larry Lucchino to Washington? Epstein's abrupt departure from the team on Halloween was reportedly the result of a power struggle between he and Lucchino. Could this move be a sign that Lucchino, who has long-standing connections to Washington, has not necessarily lost the power struggle in Boston, but has an opportunity for greener pastures in DC?

"The team would not comment on how Epstein will fit into the organization's hierarchy, but Henry denied that Lucchino's role was diminished to lure Epstein back." (via Boston.com 1/19/2006)

"Larry's role does not change...Details next week." (Red Sox Principal owner John W. Henry via Boston.com 1/19/2006)

Look for Lucchino to be named president and head of baseball operations of the Washington Nationals as soon as Jeff Smulyan is handed the keys to the franchise (which could be a while).

From Bad To Worst

The 50 or so fans of the Washington Nationals who were actually able to watch the home team play on cable TV last season and suffered through Ron Darling's mind-numbing babble all season rejoiced earlier this winter at the news that Darling wouldn't be returning to the booth for the Nats. From today's Post, some news on the cable front: play-by-play guy Mel Proctor might not return. But hold on, it gets better: the utterly dreadful Rob Dibble could be taking over for Darling as color man. Very soon, we may be able to answer the question: "Can it get any worse than Ron Darling?" with a resounding "Yes." Get ready to put your mute button to good use, and get friendly with Jageler and Slowes:

On the radio front, former Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA) radio man and Boston sports-talk radio vet Dave Jageler is expected to be named as the replacement for Dave Shea, who was canned a few weeks ago.

Former Motown Mayor Archer To Mediate Stadium Dispute

Dennis Archer, the former mayor of Detroit who has stadium-building experience (Comerica Park and Ford Field in Detroit) and is reportedly a longtime political ally of Anthony Williams, will serve as mediator in the dispute between DC and MLB.

"It's good news that Dennis Archer has agreed to help the District with this process. We are fortunate to have someone of his stature involved. My hope is that our ongoing talks with D.C. Council members will continue to bear fruit." (Anthony Williams, via Washington Post 1/18/2006)

"We need to find a way to get the (D.C. Council) to honor the commitment it made to get a stadium built...I am guardedly optimistic that we can find a way to get it done."  (Bob Dupuy, via Yahoo Sports 1/17/2006)

Sensitive Guy Soriano Asks For $12; Nats Offer $10

Not surprisingly, the Nationals and Alfonso "There Is No I In Team" Soriano are heading to arbitration: Soriano asked for a $12 million, one year deal, while the team offered him $10 million. Soriano's $12 million was the highest number submitted among all the players who exchanged figures with their teams.

According to Bowden, the little problem of Soriano's  move to the outfield will be dealt with as a separate issue:

"We're going to attempt to do the contract before we continue to address the separate issue...Obviously, it's a very sensitive issue with Alfonso. We respect him...We don't want it to be a soap opera through the media. We're very sensitive to his feelings and his desires." (Jim Bowden via Washington Post 1/17/2006)

Nats Ink Schneider To 4 Year, $16 mil Deal

"It's the only organization I've been with...It's a great opportunity for baseball in D.C. I'd love to be a part of that. I've been here since Day 1, and I'd like to be here as long as possible." (Brian Schneider via CBS SportsLine.com 1/17/2006)

At least his shoulder is ok; Schneider had an MRI on Monday, and doctors gave him a clean bill of health: "The doctors gave us the go-ahead to sign the player...They understood that it was a four-year deal with significant money. We wanted clearance and to make sure there wasn't a health risk. I would not have done the deal if the doctors didn't clear it." (Jim Bowden via MLB.com 1/17/2006)

Deal breaks down like this: Schneider gets $2.7 million in 2006, $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.9 million in 2008 and 2009.

While this certainly isn't a bad deal for the Nationals, it's a little surprising that Bowden got the green light from MLB to lock up Schneider -- a so-so hitter, but a solid (some would say very very good) defensive catcher -- for four years.

>Nats also agreed to a 1 year, $3.2 million deal with Nick Johnson.

Tuohey: Part of the Problem, One of Many Reasons the Deal Ain't Done

"Is Jerry Reinsdorf a more able negotiator than I am? Yes, he's probably been better." (Mark H. Tuohey, head of D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission via Washington Post 1/17/2006)

Enquirer Answers MLB.com Mail Bag!

Back by popular demand, The Nationals Enquirer answers the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson. Bill already provided his answers earlier today. We'll take our best shot at it here:

Why are the Nationals interested in Sammy Sosa? There's no position open for him to play unless you want to significantly downgrade your defense. He strikes out way too much to be effective and he's injury prone.
-- C. L., Fredericksburg, Va.

Bowden wasn't satisfied having just two malcontents on the roster (Jose Guillen and Alfonso Soriano). If Sosa breaks camp with the team at the end of Spring Training, they'll be guaranteed to have almost as many malcontents on the roster as they do utility infielders.

Why don't the Nationals have more trust in their Minor League players? They invite all these old guys to Spring Training and no young guys from the farm system that they could work with and develop.
-- A. T., Savannah, Ga.

asdfjkl; asdfjkl; asdfjkl; asdfjkl; asdfjkl; asfdfjkl;

If the Blue Jays give up on signing catcher Bengie Molina, do the Nationals have enough money available to sign him?
-- A., Bethesda, Md.

Bwaahahaahahahahahaha!!!!!Hooo hoo!! Enough money!? Bwaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha!! You're killing me, Alan!

If Cristian Guzman struggles early in the season, do you think Alfonso Soriano could play shortstop?
-- C. P., Berthierville, Quebec

Oh yes, without a question, definitely. Especially considering how gracious and open he's been to the idea of switching from second base to the outfield.

I understand that Preston Wilson was a disappointment, but he was still a dangerous hitter. Couldn't the Nationals cough up $4 million to solidify a hard-hitting outfield of Wilson, Guillen and, hopefully, Soriano?
-- D. C., North Hero, Vt.

Dustin,  "Cough up" doesn't really apply when you're talking the Nats and money. Try "scrape together" or "beg for". Highly doubtful that Bowden has $4 million to spend on any player at this point, and it was pretty clear at the end of the season that Wilson was done in DC anyway.

Do you think the Nationals will try to sign right-hander Jeff Weaver? If so, do you think they have a shot at getting him?
-- T. P., Burlington, Ontario

Tom, you're not serious, are you? The only way the Nats sign Jeff Weaver is if a new owner is announced in the few weeks, and he (Jeff Smulyan) tells Bowden (or Theo Epstein) to break out the checkbook. Don't hold your breath.

(Yawn) Partial USA WBC Roster Announced: 2 Nats On List

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.... Brian Schneider and Chad Cordero are included on the initial Team USA roster for the World Baseball Classic ...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Coach 'Em Up: Lopes, Page, & Beasley Hired

Jim Bowden's Frank Robinson's 'high energy' staff shaping up:  Davey Lopes (first-base coach); Mitchell Page (hitting coach); and Tony Beasley (third-base coach) hired.

"We're very excited about each one of these guys.'" (Jim Bowden via Washington Post 1/13/2006)

>The Washington Times notes that Nats are close to an agreement with Brian Schneider, but remain 'far apart' on new deals for Nick Johnson and Alfonso Soriano. "Without an agreement in place with Johnson and Soriano, both sides must submit arbitration figures by Tuesday." (via Washington Times 1/13/2006)

Down to Two? And Bowden Out?

"The ownership derby for the Nationals has been narrowed to the Fred Malek group and Jeff Smulyan, according to sources close to the sale process. Marlins GM Larry Beinfest has emerged as a top candidate to become the Nationals' next general manager." (via "The Buzz", Bob Nightengale/USA Today 1/11/2006)

Come on, we all know it's gonna be Smulyan.

Sad But True

It was inevitable. In what might be the perfect symbol of the current state of affairs for the Nationals, the team is in talks to sign washed up Sammy Sosa to an incentive-laden deal.

"We're going to sit down and see what happens...It's a good opportunity. It's a good chance. We don't know anything yet, but we're going to sit down and talk." (Sammy Sosa via Washington Post 1/12/2006)

"...Club sources yesterday confirmed the Nationals have expressed mild interest in free agent slugger Sammy Sosa. A television report out of the Dominican Republic suggested the two sides were close to an agreement, but the sources said no deal was imminent." (via Washington Times 1/12/2006)

Cropp Offers Compromise on Stadium Deal

"This is a decent compromise...This would answer the concerns of at least seven members, possibly more." (D.C. Council Chairman Linda W. Cropp via Washington Post 1/12/2006)

Williams: Stadium Deal Imminent

In other words: Bud and his cronies have threatened to move the team to Vegas unless a stadium deal gets done immediately; If the stadium deal gets done by the end of the week, look for the new owner (Smulyan) to be announced at Jan. 18 or 19 at the Major League Baseball Owners meetings in Scottsdale, Ariz.

"I would hope as early as late this week to get council action on it, in way that addresses the cost issues, in a way that addresses the cost overrun issues." (Mayor Anthony Williams, via WTOP.com 1/10/2006)

"The cost overrun issue is being resolved for all of the elements of building this stadium, so we'll have resolutions in place very quickly." (Mark Tuohey, head of the DC Sports and Entertainment Commission  via WTOP.com 1/10/2006)

Then again, the Washington Times tells a much less optimistic story, declaring talks on the deal as "nearly dead." "There are not even any discussions about it taking place around here" (Jack Evans, Ward 2 Democrat, via Washington Times 1/11/2006)

Ayala Back; Tucker On Board

>Nats re-sign Luis Ayala, an indespensible member of the bullpen and one of the best set-up men out in the NL the last 3 seasons, to a 2 year, $2.2 million deal.  Nats shut him down in September because of a bone spur in his elbow after making 68 appearances  (81 in '04; 65 in '03) - but his agent Joe Longo claims he's healthy: "He's throwing already, he's feeling great, he feels no pain whatsoever...He's going to be fine for spring training." (via Washington Times 1/10/2005).

>Veteran outfielder Michael Tucker  comes on board, signing a 1 year, non-guaranteed deal. His future with the team probably hinges on Brandon Watson's spring and Jose Guillen's health.

Enquirer Answers MLB.com Mail Bag!

In what will be a regular installment (until someone asks us to stop), The Nationals Enquirer will answer the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson.  He didn't ask for our help: in fact, he answered his own mail yesterday over at nationals.com. But we're too lazy to scour the internet for the latest trade rumors since the Corey Patterson thing blew over, so we figured we'd get an easy post out of this.

Can the Nationals win with Frank Robinson as their manager?
-- A. R., Toronto

Bwwwahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahha!!!!!!!!! Love that Canadian wit!

Who are the possible candidates to be on the coaching staff in 2006?
-- C. R., Long Island, N.Y.

Have no idea, but then again, neither does Frank Robinson. You might want to ask Tony and Jim.

With Alfonso Soriano saying he wants to return to the American League after the 2006 season, do you see the Nationals trading him for pitching or hitting?
-- D. H., Rockville, Md.

Dan, let's hope the Nats hold on to both Vidro and Soriano, at least through Spring Training, so we can see  just how ugly this whole situation gets. A lot depends on how confident the Nats are that Vidro will return healthy.

If Guzman doesn't break out of his year-long slump during Spring Training, do you expect Bowden to make a move for another starting shortstop?
-- T. B., Falls Church, Va.

Guzman started to turn things around offensively last season just in time for the Nats to fall out of contention. He can't be as bad as he was last year. Right? The best news of all with Guzman is the Nats are only on the hook for $12.6 mil for three more years. For his 4 year, $16.8 million contract alone, Bowden deserves to be fired, right now.

Do you think it is possible Tyrell Godwin could become an everyday player for the Nationals?
-- M. K., Elizabethtown, Pa.

No chance.

Is anyone in the Nationals organization looking at free agent Jeff Weaver? Would he be a good No. 3 starter at Robert F. Kennedy Stadium?
-- J. N., Washington

No way, Jose: Too expensive. Weaver made around $9 million last year with the Dodgers. Look for him to sign a 3-4 year deal for similar dollars with someone else.

And would he be a good No. 3 starter at RFK? Remember that we're talking about a team that'll be trotting out some combination of Lawrence, Armas, Drese, and Ortiz in slots 3-5. Do you still want to ask the second part of your question?

With regards to the Ryan Church vs. Brandon Watson debate, are the Nationals focusing too much on finding a leadoff hitter who can play center field rather than finding the best possible center fielder? While Church is not a prototypical leadoff hitter, he is a better defensive center fielder than Watson and he has a good bat for the middle of the order.
-- B. O., Alexandria, Va.

Yes. I mean, no. What did you just ask me?

How is Nick Johnson doing? Do you think 2006 will be a good year for Nick?
-- A. A., Fairfax Station, Va.

Nick is most likely fully recovered from his heel injury, and hard at work preparing for another injury-plagued season in which he shows flashes of brilliance yet ultimately disappoints in the end. He is also quietly working on his beard.

Will Chad Cordero be able to repeat what he did last year as a closer?
-- P. G., Brandywine, Del.

No.

Nats Bag Big Prize Jamey Carroll In Blockbuster, $700K, 1 Year Deal!

Capping  a busy offseason highlighted by the high-profile  signings of Ramon Ortiz, Tony Armas Jr., Damian Jackson, Bernie Castro, and Marlon Anderson - Jim Bowden and the Washington Nationals pulled one over on the rest of the NL East by inking Jamey Carroll to a shocking $700K, 1 year deal on Thursday.

Guillen: "I Feel Great"

Jose Guillen recovering from shoulder surgery, claims he'll be healthy this season: "I feel great...I'm doing perfect, better than anybody expected me to be. I'm so happy about it." (Jose Guillen via Washington Post 1/6/2006).

Arbitration, Here We Come!

MLB files for arbitration with the American Arbitration Association to settle the Stadium dispute with the District. The whole situation gets more laughable by the day, while "dispute" is probably too nice a term to use to describe the steaming pile of crap is the negotiations between DC and MLB.

Meanwhile, Anthony Williams appears to be watching a completely different channel: "There will be give and take on both sides...You would expect in a negotiation that they would put this in as a legal placeholder, but it's really questionable what there is to arbitrate. We have an agreement, and we're working within the parameters of that."  (Washington Post, 1/5/2006)

Williams might do well to remind the grandstanding City Council that there is, in fact, an agreement in place with MLB.

Williams also took offense to Bob DuPuy's Post Op-ed piece in Tuesday's paper: "No one should be pointing fingers at anyone else." (Washington Post, 1/5/2006)

(AP photo by J. Scott Applewhite)

Broadcast News

>In the wake of the big shakeup on the DC radio dial, the Nationals are "close" to finalizing a broadcast deal with freshly minted Washington Post Radio,  owned by WTOP parent Bonneville International. Can you say "conflict of interest"?

>Thank you! Ron Darling, at his best boring and at his worst so dull he could cause fans to want to smash their heads through their TV screens, is not expected to return as Nats color-analyst.  Love the fact that Mets fans will have to suffer through Darling's mind-numbing "analysis" going forward.

>Dave Shea relieved of his radio play-by-play duties.

Nats Bid Bye-Bye to Big Disappointment

As expected, the Nats bid farewell to Preston Wilson, who was a huge disappointment in his 68 game tenure in Washington. Brought on board to add some pop to the middle of a punchless Nationals lineup at a time when the Nats were still sitting pretty at the top of the NL East, Wilson didn't deliver.

Enjoy Houston, Preston.

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

DuPuy Roasts City in Post Op-ed Piece

"The District, for all its many pluses, is not an easy city with which to do business. City leaders frequently quibble with baseball about its commitments, and they often quarrel with each other. There are so many interested parties in the D.C. government that it seems on some days that no one is in control and on other days that everyone wants to be in control." (Bob DuPuy, Washington Post Op-Ed piece 1/3/2006)

MLB positioning itself to back out of District?

(Baltimore Sun photo by Kenneth K. Lam)