Mailbag: What's ahead in D.C.?

11/13/2005
With the Nationals ending their first season in Washington with an 81-81 record, a lot of fans want to know about the team and its offseason plans.
Here are some answers to your questions. Keep those e-mails coming. Thanks a bunch.
With the Nationals needing starting pitching, would it be good to give Jon Rauch a chance to be part of the rotation? -- Yves R., Montreal
I think Rauch should be given a chance. He is a battler and doesn't give in to hitters. The big question is, however, can he stay healthy for a full season? He missed most of 2005 because of shoulder problems. In fact, Rauch had a history of injury problems with the White Sox as well.
What about the Nationals giving Sammy Sosa a chance? They might catch lightning in a bottle. Wouldn't he come cheap? -- Garin S., Avon, Ind.
I don't think Sosa would come that cheaply. If the Nationals were interested in him, I'm sure the offer would be loaded with incentives. The question is, why would the Nationals take on Sosa? He strikes out way too much. Add Brad Wilkerson to the mix and the team would have 300 strikeouts between two players. That's a bad combination.
Do you think the Nationals regret trading outfielder Jerry Owens? -- Arthur N., Dallas
There is no question about it. Last February, the Nationals traded Owens to the White Sox for outfielder Alex Escobar, who didn't play a regular-season game because of foot problems. It's unlikely that he will return to the team next season. Owens, who was drafted by the Expos in 2003, hit .331 with two homers, 52 RBIs and 99 runs scored for Double-A Birmingham.
What is Ryan Church's role for next year? -- Jerry C., Jupiter, Fla.
It's too early to figure out what Church's role will be with the Nationals. They definitely feel he has the talent to be a solid Major Leaguer, but they would like him to stay healthy, which wasn't the case in 2005. Some in the organization would like to see Church have more tolerance for pain. They felt he should have played with a broken right pinky toe last season.
Is there any chance of the Nationals signing either B.J. Ryan or Scott Eyre as lefties for their bullpen? -- Hannah G., Alexandria, Va.
The Nationals would love to have Ryan and Erye, but keep in mind that the Nationals do not have a 2006 budget in place until a new ownership group is settled on, and those two pitchers are going to command a lot of money on the open market. As of now, and it could change, I think it's highly unlikely they will be members of the Nationals.
The Nationals need speed at the top of the order. Do they have anyone in their farm system ready to come up next year? -- Jacques Q., Ottawa
The only person that is ready is outfielder Brandon Watson, who was not given a real chance to prove his worth when he was twice called up to the big leagues. If the Nationals don't acquire a leadoff hitter via free agency or trade, they have no choice but to give Watson a serious look during Spring Training. Last season, Watson had his best season to date, hitting .355 with one home run and 25 RBIs for Triple-A New Orleans.
Since there are a bunch of backup infielders, what is the future of Deivi Cruz with the Nationals? -- Robin S., Silver Spring, Md.
Cruz is a free agent and will not return to the club. Cruz didn't see much action with Washington in 2005, hitting .255 in 20 games.
Would you agree that the team's active roster lacks speed? Do you believe management sees the need to upgrade overall team athleticism? -- Robert W., Upper Marlboro, Md.
I agree with you that the team lacks speed. In fact, the Nationals stole 45 bases and were caught 45 times. But it may be tough to get that speed in the open market because Washington still doesn't have a budget. Players like Kenny Lofton and Johnny Damon are available, but their asking price may be too much for the Nationals.
Will the Nationals try to lock up catcher Brian Schneider to a long-term deal? He is one of the best in the National League at his position. -- Rich R., Slingerlands, N.Y.
Schneider is one of the best catchers in baseball, but Schneider, as well as Brad Wilkerson, will not be considered for a long-term deal until ownership is in place.
I took in some games and saw the potential in outfielder Chad Chop, who played with Class A Potomac. Where does he fit in for 2006? -- Marc M., Montreal
Chop is a long shot at making the Major League roster. He will spend another season in the Minor Leagues. He hit .260 with three home runs and 52 RBIs for Potomac.

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