Nats Enquirer

Enquirer Answers MLB.com Mail Bag!

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. Read on:

I think adding Davey Lopes and Mitchell Page to the coaching staff are excellent moves. Do you think they will change Alfonso Soriano's mind about playing the outfield? -- T. W., Alexandria, Va.

T.W., we don't think Lopes or Page can do much to change Alfonso's mind, but we believe that Frank Robinson and a Louisville Slugger can.

It's obvious that Soriano does not want to play the outfield. Has any Major Leaguer ever flat out refused to play a position? -- D.C., North Hero, Vt.

While he didn't refuse to play last season, it could be argued that Cristian Guzman might have had a more successful season last year had he refused to play and not shown up at all. But that doesn't really answer your question. Did we mention that we think Guzman is going to have a big year? Stop laughing! We're serious!

The Nationals used 55 players last year, an unheard of amount. What are they doing to upgrade their conditioning and preventing these injuries in the future?     -- M.Z., Utica, N.Y.

In one of their more underrated moves of the offseason, the Nats purchased a new Tony Little Gazelle Plus for the clubhouse!

What is Tony Blanco's future with the Nationals? -- A.C., Montreal

Dunno.

What was the reason why the Nationals signed Nick Johnson to only a one-year deal? -- K. F., McLean, Va.

Larry Broadway.

What is the Nationals' stance on video scouting? It is my understanding that when they were in Montreal, they spent less than $10,000 on video equipment and personnel, which most probably had a lot to do with their misfortunes at the plate.     -- A. O., Montreal

Yes, and what's worse is that it was $10,000 CANADIAN, which means something like $750 AMERICAN. To add insult to injury, the equipment was seized by U.S. Customs when the team moved out of Montreal and tried to get over the border.

Since Bowden believes in second chances, would he give Rafael Palmeiro a chance? -- R.F., Waynesboro, Va.

Bwwwwaaaaaaaa!!! Ha hahaha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!

(all questions swiped from The Washington Nationals Official Website; please don't sue us. Thank you)

Welcome to DC, Jags

"I am proud to continue the tradition of broadcasters who move from McCoy Stadium to the majors...I’d like to express my sincere thanks to everyone with the PawSox for allowing me to be a part of a great organization and a memorable 2005 season. This opportunity with the Washington Nationals is a dream come true. The D.C. area is passionate about baseball and I look forward to getting started." (Dave Jageler via PawSox.com 1/20/2006)

(Image swiped from www.pawsox.com)

No Surprises From AZ Owners Meetings: Selig Offers Nothing New

"You know, life doesn't always move just as you'd like it...Of course, if I had my druthers, this would have been over a long time ago. But there are a lot of things that have happened, and I wouldn't do anything differently.

I know I've heard some criticism of us, particularly in Washington, which I think is unfair but everybody's entitled to their opinion. But look, if you were buying a team the first question you'd ask is, `What's the stadium situation and what's my lease?'

When I know we are getting close, I'll make a decision."

(Bud Selig, via CBS SportsLine.com 1/19/2006, sticking it to the District, delaying the inevitable announcement that Jeff Smulyan will be the new owner of the Washington Nationals)

Larry's Next Stop: Washington?

Could the return of Theo Epstein to Boston mean the eventual return of Larry Lucchino to Washington? Epstein's abrupt departure from the team on Halloween was reportedly the result of a power struggle between he and Lucchino. Could this move be a sign that Lucchino, who has long-standing connections to Washington, has not necessarily lost the power struggle in Boston, but has an opportunity for greener pastures in DC?

"The team would not comment on how Epstein will fit into the organization's hierarchy, but Henry denied that Lucchino's role was diminished to lure Epstein back." (via Boston.com 1/19/2006)

"Larry's role does not change...Details next week." (Red Sox Principal owner John W. Henry via Boston.com 1/19/2006)

Look for Lucchino to be named president and head of baseball operations of the Washington Nationals as soon as Jeff Smulyan is handed the keys to the franchise (which could be a while).

From Bad To Worst

The 50 or so fans of the Washington Nationals who were actually able to watch the home team play on cable TV last season and suffered through Ron Darling's mind-numbing babble all season rejoiced earlier this winter at the news that Darling wouldn't be returning to the booth for the Nats. From today's Post, some news on the cable front: play-by-play guy Mel Proctor might not return. But hold on, it gets better: the utterly dreadful Rob Dibble could be taking over for Darling as color man. Very soon, we may be able to answer the question: "Can it get any worse than Ron Darling?" with a resounding "Yes." Get ready to put your mute button to good use, and get friendly with Jageler and Slowes:

On the radio front, former Pawtucket Red Sox (AAA) radio man and Boston sports-talk radio vet Dave Jageler is expected to be named as the replacement for Dave Shea, who was canned a few weeks ago.

Former Motown Mayor Archer To Mediate Stadium Dispute

Dennis Archer, the former mayor of Detroit who has stadium-building experience (Comerica Park and Ford Field in Detroit) and is reportedly a longtime political ally of Anthony Williams, will serve as mediator in the dispute between DC and MLB.

"It's good news that Dennis Archer has agreed to help the District with this process. We are fortunate to have someone of his stature involved. My hope is that our ongoing talks with D.C. Council members will continue to bear fruit." (Anthony Williams, via Washington Post 1/18/2006)

"We need to find a way to get the (D.C. Council) to honor the commitment it made to get a stadium built...I am guardedly optimistic that we can find a way to get it done."  (Bob Dupuy, via Yahoo Sports 1/17/2006)

Sensitive Guy Soriano Asks For $12; Nats Offer $10

Not surprisingly, the Nationals and Alfonso "There Is No I In Team" Soriano are heading to arbitration: Soriano asked for a $12 million, one year deal, while the team offered him $10 million. Soriano's $12 million was the highest number submitted among all the players who exchanged figures with their teams.

According to Bowden, the little problem of Soriano's  move to the outfield will be dealt with as a separate issue:

"We're going to attempt to do the contract before we continue to address the separate issue...Obviously, it's a very sensitive issue with Alfonso. We respect him...We don't want it to be a soap opera through the media. We're very sensitive to his feelings and his desires." (Jim Bowden via Washington Post 1/17/2006)

Nats Ink Schneider To 4 Year, $16 mil Deal

"It's the only organization I've been with...It's a great opportunity for baseball in D.C. I'd love to be a part of that. I've been here since Day 1, and I'd like to be here as long as possible." (Brian Schneider via CBS SportsLine.com 1/17/2006)

At least his shoulder is ok; Schneider had an MRI on Monday, and doctors gave him a clean bill of health: "The doctors gave us the go-ahead to sign the player...They understood that it was a four-year deal with significant money. We wanted clearance and to make sure there wasn't a health risk. I would not have done the deal if the doctors didn't clear it." (Jim Bowden via MLB.com 1/17/2006)

Deal breaks down like this: Schneider gets $2.7 million in 2006, $3.5 million in 2007 and $4.9 million in 2008 and 2009.

While this certainly isn't a bad deal for the Nationals, it's a little surprising that Bowden got the green light from MLB to lock up Schneider -- a so-so hitter, but a solid (some would say very very good) defensive catcher -- for four years.

>Nats also agreed to a 1 year, $3.2 million deal with Nick Johnson.

Tuohey: Part of the Problem, One of Many Reasons the Deal Ain't Done

"Is Jerry Reinsdorf a more able negotiator than I am? Yes, he's probably been better." (Mark H. Tuohey, head of D.C. Sports and Entertainment Commission via Washington Post 1/17/2006)

Enquirer Answers MLB.com Mail Bag!

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.