Back by popular demand, The Nationals Enquirer answers the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson. Bill already provided his answers earlier today. We'll take our best shot at it here:
Why are the Nationals interested in Sammy Sosa? There's no position open for him to play unless you want to significantly downgrade your defense. He strikes out way too much to be effective and he's injury prone.
-- C. L., Fredericksburg, Va.
Bowden wasn't satisfied having just two malcontents on the roster (Jose Guillen and Alfonso Soriano). If Sosa breaks camp with the team at the end of Spring Training, they'll be guaranteed to have almost as many malcontents on the roster as they do utility infielders.
Why don't the Nationals have more trust in their Minor League players? They invite all these old guys to Spring Training and no young guys from the farm system that they could work with and develop.
-- A. T., Savannah, Ga.
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If the Blue Jays give up on signing catcher Bengie Molina, do the Nationals have enough money available to sign him?
-- A., Bethesda, Md.
Bwaahahaahahahahahaha!!!!!Hooo hoo!! Enough money!? Bwaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha!! You're killing me, Alan!
If Cristian Guzman struggles early in the season, do you think Alfonso Soriano could play shortstop?
-- C. P., Berthierville, Quebec
Oh yes, without a question, definitely. Especially considering how gracious and open he's been to the idea of switching from second base to the outfield.
I understand that Preston Wilson was a disappointment, but he was still a dangerous hitter. Couldn't the Nationals cough up $4 million to solidify a hard-hitting outfield of Wilson, Guillen and, hopefully, Soriano?
-- D. C., North Hero, Vt.
Dustin, "Cough up" doesn't really apply when you're talking the Nats and money. Try "scrape together" or "beg for". Highly doubtful that Bowden has $4 million to spend on any player at this point, and it was pretty clear at the end of the season that Wilson was done in DC anyway.
Do you think the Nationals will try to sign right-hander Jeff Weaver? If so, do you think they have a shot at getting him?
-- T. P., Burlington, Ontario
Tom, you're not serious, are you? The only way the Nats sign Jeff Weaver is if a new owner is announced in the few weeks, and he (Jeff Smulyan) tells Bowden (or Theo Epstein) to break out the checkbook. Don't hold your breath.
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