Enquirer Answers the Mailbag!

Who's hot, who's not? Don't answer that. It's too hot for small talk, and judging from some of the questions in this week's edition of the Nationals.com mailbag, either the heat, or the losing, is starting to get to people. So let's cool things down, shall we? As usual, keep those e-mails coming to Nationals.com, and we'll keep copying and pasting the questions over here and giving our half-assed answers! Here we go:

I'm a big Austin Kearns fan. I think he's the greatest asset to the Nats' outfield. Do you have any information on how his elbow is doing and when we can expect to see him back with the team?
-- A. W., Clifton, Va.

Unfortunately, all signs seem to indicate that Kearns could be back within a month.

What's happened to the Nats' vaunted bullpen? There's not a single guy I feel comfortable seeing when the game is on the line. Why the drop off from last year?
-- L. H., Southern Md.

Starters not going as deep into games as last year. Bullpen arms are simply burning out faster. Actually, we made that up: have no explanation for the drop off. Blame it on the heat!?

Frankly, I'm tired of your optimism. This team is nowhere near a contender, or a .500 club for that matter. How can any team expect to contend with the offense that the Nationals field? How do you respond to this?
-- J. A., Stony Brook, NY

Go to hell, asshole.

Do you see the Nationals actively trying to trade any players? I think the team can honestly do without players such as Paul Lo Duca, Wily Mo Pena, Johnny Estrada and Kearns.
-- J. H., Rockwood, Tenn.

Can you see any team actively trying to trade FOR Paul Lo Duca, Wily Mo Pena, Johnny Estrada or Austin Kearns?

Any chance Aaron Boone can play second base? Felipe Lopez hasn't been playing up to his potential.
-- M. S., Richmond, Va.

Wow. Yes, definitely.

When are we going to see Justin Maxwell again in the Major Leagues?
-- J. M., Harrisburg, Pa.

September.

With Ryan Braun, Hanley Ramirez and Troy Tulowitzki getting long-term deals at reasonable prices, shouldn't the Nats negotiate a similar contract with Ryan Zimmerman?
-- M. W., Waldorf, Md.

Yes.