Mailbag: Will Nick Johnson break out?

03/13/2006
How does Nick Johnson look this spring? There is a lot of talk about who will be the club's second baseman, Jose Guillen's shoulder, Ryan Zimmerman and the World Baseball Classic. Does Johnson look healthy and is he ready to go? -- Garin S., Avon, Ind.
Johnson looks healthy and has played a lot of innings this spring. He told me that his right heel, which he injured last June, is close to 100 percent. If he stays healthy, I think Johnson will drive in 100 runs and steal 15 bases this season.
If Brandon Watson continues to impress in Spring Training, is he likely to beat out Ryan Church for the job in center field? -- Dustin C., Nova Scotia, Canada
I don't think it's that cut and dry, Dustin. By the end of the spring, general manager Jim Bowden, manager Frank Robinson, assistant general manger Bob Boone and the coaching staff will get together and determine who will be the center fielder. There are some people in the organization who are Church fans and other who are in Watson's corner. This will be a huge debate by the end of the spring. I think the decision will be made on gut feelings, not so much numbers.
How does the Nationals' farm system look this year?-- Scott R., New Orleans
Bowden will be the first to tell you that it's dry, but there's some talent in the system. Larry Broadway, Kory Casto, Ian Desmond, Collin Balester, Frank Diaz, Bill Bray, Michael Hinckley and Clint Everts are players that come to mind.
Of the eight, Broadway is the closest to being ready for the big leagues. But whether he will play for the Nationals is another story considering that Johnson recently signed a long-term deal. If Broadway gets off to a good start for Triple-A New Orleans, I could see him getting traded for pitching.
How is Livan Hernandez's health? Do you believe that he can get 20 wins this year? -- Albert V. Miami
Hernandez's knee is close to 100 percent. However, he is still having problems running for slow rollers and running to first base. I don't know if Hernandez will win 20 games this year. While he is a talented pitcher, he may not have the hitting support to win that many games.
How is the backup catcher situation looking? I just watched the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and I was quite impressed by Alberto Castillo. But looking at spring numbers, it looks like Wiki Gonzalez has a decent shot, too. So who would get the nod? -- Rob T., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
It's too early to tell. At least there is a clearer picture. Robinson announced on Sunday that he looks at Robert Fick and Matt LeCroy as the emergency catchers and Mike DiFelice, Gonzalez and Castillo competing to be Brian Schneider's backup catcher.
DiFelice and Gonzalez had a chance to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Italy and Venezuela, respectively, but they decided to stay with the Nationals throughout the spring. DiFelice and Gonzalez are having good springs with the bat. DiFelice is hitting .421 (8-for-19), while Gonzalez is 4-for-12 (.333).
Should we expect Dana Brown and his staff to draft heavily for left-handed pitching? -- Jeff E., W. Lafayette, In.
Jeff, the Nationals need so many things, like quality catchers, outfielders and infielders. But to answer your question, I expect Brown and his staff to go after the best available pitcher whether he's left-handed or right-handed.
Can the Nationals trade one of their many second basemen like Damian Jackson or Bernie Castro and get some prospects in return? -- Paul E., Alexandria, Va.
It's going to be hard, because none of the players you mentioned are in their prime. They are fringe players.
What do you think the starting rotation will look like by Opening Day? -- Matt D., Montreal
I think the rotation will look like this:Hernandez John Patterson Tony Armas, Jr. Ramon Ortiz Pedro Astacio
Look for Ryan Drese to be part of the rotation by the middle of April if Armas, Ortiz or Astacio falters. The Nationals are taking their time with Drese, who is coming off shoulder surgery. I expect him to be ready by mid-April.

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