Back by popular demand, The Nationals Enquirer answers the mailbag for MLB.com's Nationals beat writer Bill Ladson. Bill provided his answers earlier today. Now we'll give it a shot.
Every time Jamey Carroll is mentioned, his name is accompanied by the phrase, "the most fundamentally sound player on the team." What exactly does that mean? -- M. L., Washington, D.C.
It's just another way of saying that Jamey is a light hitting utility infielder who hustles down the first base line every time he grounds out.
Should the Nationals try to trade Carroll? He probably won't get much playing time with Marlon Anderson, Robert Fick and Royce Clayton on the bench. -- D. C., Nova Scotia, Canada
Yes, they should try to trade Carroll, but it's doubtful that they could. Playing time isn't the issue here - the question is whether the Nats will even have a roster spot available for him by the time they break camp. Don't expect him to stick; look for him to be released or offered a chance to start the season with AAA New Orleans.
What solutions have been made to make sure that the Nationals don't fade in the second half of 2006 like they did last year? The first half of 2005 was so promising. I'd like to see that success throughout the entire '06 season. -- M. D., Montreal
The secret to a no-fade '06? More utility infielders per capita than any other city in the majors.
But here's a more important question for you, since you're from Montreal and all: Whatever happened to Youppi?
What is going on with Sammy Sosa? Are the Nationals going to wait until the last minute to sign him? -- K. J., Lake Park, Fla.
We put in a call to Bowden himself to ask him about the Sosa situation, but we got his voicemail. He never called back. Come to think of it, we called him last week to ask him about the state of the starting rotation, but he must have had a real busy week, since we never heard back from him. Jim, if you're reading this: Call me.
With all questions regarding the Nationals' Opening Day infield, how do you see Brendan Harris fitting into the picture? -- B. F., Thunder Bay, Ontario
Thunder Bay in the House!! Well...he'll probably start the season at AAA New Orleans or something.
Do you think Robinson needs to be more patient with his starting pitchers? He used his bullpen quite a bit in 2005. -- M. Z., Utica, N.Y.
We put in a call to John Halama to ask his opinion, but we got his voicemail. He never called back.
(all questions taken from The Washington Nationals Official Website; please don't sue us. Thank you)
Comments