Mailbag: Will injured be healthy in '06?

11/21/2005
Any news on right-hander Ryan Drese, who missed most of September because of shoulder problems? -- Chares W., North Port, Fla.
I heard from Drese recently. He had shoulder surgery in September and is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Here's what Drese said to me in an e-mail: "My shoulder is doing great. I have been going to physical therapy every day and I am feeling wonderful. I hope to come back stronger than ever, and I fully expect to make a full recovery. I have two goals for next year: throw 200 innings and stay healthy. I was told I can start throwing in mid-December, so I should be ready for the season."
If you had an open budget and could pick any former Nationals/Expos players that you wanted, who would you get? -- Yishai H., Jerusalem
Being an imaginary GM, I would try to get two former Expos: Outfielder Vladimir Guerrero and shortstop Orlando Cabrera. I covered both players in Montreal, and they were winners and never came up with lame excuses whenever they made mistakes on the field. Guerrero is the best player I have ever covered. He could do it all -- hit, field and run. He is doing the same thing for the Angels.
Guerrero's absence was immediately felt when he left the Expos after the 2003 season. I still don't think they have fully recovered from his loss.
Cabrera is the smartest baserunner I ever covered. He hardly made a mistake when it came to stealing bases, and he was a pretty good clutch hitter. Defensively, Cabrera wasn't Derek Jeter, but he got the job done.
With the Nationals ownership situation in limbo, what are the chances of re-signing Esteban Loaiza at this early stage of free agency? -- Keith P., Bethesda, Md.
I think it's very slim that Loaiza will return to the Nationals. He wants a three year-deal worth about $20 million, and the Nationals are not willing to give him that kind of money. The Nationals want to give Loaiza no more than a two-year deal worth about $8 million.
Will the Nationals take a look at shortstop Nomar Garciaparra? I think that he would be a great fit. What is your take? -- Rob R., Memphis
Garciaparra's asking price will be too much. Besides, the Nationals have a shortstop named Cristian Guzman, who will play every day.
Diamondbacks pitcher Javier Vazquez is reportedly available. I think he would be a perfect fit. What do you think? -- Kevin D., McLean, Va.
With general manager Jim Bowden, anything is possible when it comes to pitching. However, in order for the Nationals to get Vazquez, the Diamondbacks would have to eat most of the salary. Remember, the Nationals don't have a budget because ownership is not in place.
Do you think Marlon Byrd will be with the Nationals next season? If so, do you think he could be a starter for them next season? -- Thomas W., Washington, D.C.
It's hard to say if Byrd will be with the team. The Nationals have a plethora of outfielders, and Byrd may be used as trade bait. And, yes, I think Byrd can be an everyday player for the Nationals. He proved it in 2003, when he was with the Phillies.
Being from Chicago, I was wondering what Francis Beltran's future with the Nationals is? He was a one-time hot prospect with the Cubs. -- Alex R., Chicago
Beltran is coming off Tommy John surgery, and it's going to be hard for him to work out of the bullpen in 2006. The Nationals already have a lot of quality right-handed relievers such as Chad Cordero, Jason Bergmann, Gary Majewski and John Rauch.
The Marlins are reportedly shopping around Juan Pierre. What are the Nationals' chances of trading for him? -- Max S., Portland
The Nationals would love to have Pierre, who would solve a lot of their problems at the top of the batting order. But keep in mind that the Nationals don't have a budget, and we don't know how much of Pierre's contract they are willing to pay.
Do you see the Nationals signing Tony Armas Jr. for another year and seeing if he can stay healthy? -- Dave Hill, Rockville, Md.
No, I do not. He made over $2 million and the Nationals are not going to pay that kind of money to a pitcher who has had shoulder problems for three years in a row. Bowden will try to get better in another way. The best-case scenario is the Nationals giving Armas a Minor League deal and an invitation to Spring Training.

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