Mailbag: Nationals making moves?

11/28/2005
With the Nationals ending their first season in Washington with an 81-81 record, many baseball fans want to know about the team and the offseason ahead.
Here are some answers to your questions. Keep those e-mails coming. Thanks a bunch.
Now that Florida is having a fire sale, are there any Marlins that might be in a Nationals uniform next year? -- Lou A., Fairfax Station, Va.
According to a baseball source, the Nationals are trying to acquire some Marlins players in a trade, but the Nationals don't have the prospects the Marlins want. Keep in mind that the Nationals' farm system is dry, and the team doesn't want to trade the few prospects they have, such as Ian Desmond and Justin Maxwell.
Since the Nationals have such a plethora of outfielders, do you think they would make some sort of a trade that includes Marlon Byrd or Ryan Church? -- Joseph H., Pleasantville, N.Y.
Don't forget that they have a plethora of backup infielders, too, so I wouldn't put anything past general manager Jim Bowden as far as making a deal. It's no secret they need a leadoff hitter, two sluggers and more pitching. The big question is, do opposing teams want these players on the Nationals? We'll see.
I disagree with the notion that Cristian Guzman should be the starting shortstop. His fielding is good, but he is an offensive liability. Nomar Garciaparra could fill the void at shortstop. Rich Aurilia is no Cal Ripken, but he can play the infield and hit. What do you think? -- Collin D., Andover, Mass.
I think it's too soon to give up on Guzman after one year. Besides, which teams would be interested in taking on his contract? Not many. So many times I've seen players get off to slow starts with their new teams and then flourish for years to come.
Tommie Agee and Von Hayes are two guys that come to mind. In his first year with the Mets in 1968, Agee hit .217 with five home runs, 17 RBIs and 103 strikeouts. Today, Agee is a legend in New York because he helped the Mets win the 1969 World Series. Hayes wasn't a factor in Phillies' pennant winning season in 1983, but he went on to become a solid run producer.
I think we should give Guzman a pass on 2005. If he falters in '06, then the Nationals are going to have to find a way to replace him.
Regarding Garciaparra -- his price will be will be too high and there's a strong belief that he is past his prime as a shortstop. Aurilia is past his prime, period, and I think Guzman is a better player.
Is the Nationals' lack of a left-hander in the rotation and bullpen enough of a concern to justify going out and trying to snag one in free agency or in a trade? -- Darren C., Washington, D.C.
It would help to have a left-hander in the bullpen or the rotation -- though it's not the end of the world as long as you have right-handers that can get hitters out -- but it's going to be hard for the Nationals to find one. The free-agent market has skyrocketed for relievers and I don't see the Nationals paying that kind of money for a southpaw in the 'pen. Starter Kenny Rogers is free agent, but I don't think the Nationals are willing to pay a lot of money for a 41-year old left-hander.
Will Terrmel Sledge be ready for Spring Training and will he be playing for the Nationals next year? -- Dylan P., Shiloh, Ohio
Sledge is expected to be fully recovered from his hamstring and shoulder injuries, but it remains to be seen if he will be a member of the Nationals. The team was looking to trade him during the 2005 season before he tore his hamstring.
Did the Nationals sign Marlon Anderson in anticipation of not bringing Jamey Carroll or Carlos Baerga back? -- John M., Arlington, Va.
The answer is yes. Anderson is expected to be the man off the bench, while the Nationals are looking to trade Carroll. Baerga is a free agent and will not return to the team.
Does Desmond have a shot at making the team in 2006? -- Ron C, De Soto, Mo.
Desmond is a longshot for making the Major League team next season. While he is Major League-ready with the glove, he is a long way from being a Major League hitter. Desmond hit .250 seven home runs and 38 RBIs in the Minors last season
Was trading Vinny Castilla a smart move? -- Mac C., Clifton Va.
Yes, it was. While he can still play defense, Castilla is past his prime as a hitter. In fact, I was surprised that Castilla wasn't benched immediately after Ryan Zimmerman was promoted to the big leagues on Sept. 1, as Castilla was hurting the team offensively for most of the season.

Source: http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/