But before we get to that, the Nationals currently lead Brad Penny and the Dodgers, 5-2 in the third inning. They've done so with a lineup that doesn't include Dmitri Young (day off), Ronnie Belliard (feeling ill), Wily Mo Pena (bruised foot) or Brian Schneider (day off). How many of you legitimately saw THAT one coming?

OK, let's get to some of Jason Bergmann's answers to your questions. This is only round one, there will be more in the days and weeks to come. Please continue to send your questions to natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com, and I'll pass them on to Jason...

From Andrew:
Was the first time you ever walked onto the field and to the top of the mound like what you dreamed it would be like? How did you feel at that moment?
Jason Bergmann:
My major league debut just happened to coincide with Hurricane Katrina and all the devastation she caused. That aside, my debut was relieving Mike Stanton (a guy I had watched growing up as a Yankee) in a bases loaded jam with 2 outs in the 8th inning against the St. Louis Cardinals. I had little sleep, a major hurricane, and Abraham Nunez on my mind. My legs were definitely shaking and I remember saying to myself, "please don't walk this guy." He hit a jam shot single to center.

From Rachel:
If you couldn't be a baseball player (or any other professional athlete), what career would you want to have?
Jason Bergmann:
I studied Political Science and was also pursuing Criminal Justice at Rutgers University. I did however enjoy substitute teaching in the off season in New Jersey. I would definitely pursue that given the chance. I also would like to have some role in baseball, whether it be with High School, College, or Professional teams.
Q: What is the worst thing about being a pro-athlete? Why would someone NOT want to be a ballplayer? (like, what's not glamorous and cool about it?)
A: Being a pro athlete there are many stereotypes. For instance, not every player is automatically making millions of dollars. Many players make under a million. Although there is a lot of money in the sport, there are a great amount of expenses that go along with it. Flying family around, renting or buying housing for the season, car shipments, tips and dues, and dressing. Another stereotype I believe is that players are jerks and get in trouble a lot. For all of the players in MLB and out, there are some bad apples that you will hear about. However, most times you will not hear about the true gentlemen of the game, the players who have foundations and donate time and money for others. There are a lot of players who are simple family people and devote a lot of their time to their wife and children. These players will never have their name in the media for any type of wrongdoing. Some people believe we only show up and play a game and go out to party. To clarify, we usually arrive at the field about 5 hours early and review video, run, throw, hit extra, work defensive drills, and receive medical treatment. So it is a lot harder than some give us credit for. Besides the on field stuff, we travel a ton! Weather it be a plane from DC to San Diego, getting in late and then playing a day game with your internal clock all off or a simple train to Philly it wears on you! Packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking - it really gets tiring! I'm not entirely sure that I answered your question on why I wouldn't want to be a player mostly because in my opinion there aren't many jobs that are as cool as this.
Q: You are a celebrity to us, so who are your celebrities? Who would you be nervous or excited about meeting?
A: I can't honestly consider myself a celebrity. I still consider myself a regular guy. I'd never introduce myself as a Washington National because I'd rather be seen for the person I am rather than the image on TV and the name in the paper. I'm sure most would share my feelings. I think its always cool to meet people who are "celebrities" to see what they are like in person. Everyone has stories about what they do and I'd really enjoy listening to what they would say. I'd be nervous meeting the President just because he is the leader of our country!
Q: Where is your favorite city to travel to as a baseball player? Why? Which stadium do you like pitching in the best? Why?
A: So far (I haven't been everywhere yet), I really enjoy San Diego, New York, Philly, Miami and Atlanta. Sorry to name so many, but I have ties to each city. I think NY and SD are just very cool and very different cities. Atlanta is just a really cool area and probably has my favorite stadium yet - until our new stadium is finished. I live right near Philly so of course its nice to go home!
Q: What do you like most about DC? Least?
A: I love that DC is the Capitol of our nation and that means a lot. It has so many cool historical buildings and government centers. I dislike the traffic, of course. The way I see it is if you like traffic you must really not like your job! DC is more government oriented. Not so much a big city as NY and Philly are.

From Cathy:
What's the biggest difference/most shocking adjustment going from playing in the minors to the big leagues (both in-game pitching/game situations and off-field/media/travel/whatever else stuff)?
Jason Bergmann:
Major leagues is a huge step up even for AAA. First and foremost are the accomodations:
AAA - Holiday Inn. MLB - Ritz Carlton.
AAA - Bus/Coach flight with connection. MLB - Chartered Flights/Train with food etc.
The analysis is extreme as well. In AAA or any minor league level, the scouting is minimal. There sometimes isn't much information on any of the other team. Learning as you go and making changes on the fly. In the majors there are packets of information, tendancies, and video you can go over. Set gameplans against hitters and defensive adjustments. There is more of an impact on missed pitches in the majors of course than the minors.
Media is a big change too. In the minors you may or may not ever see a reporter. In the majors you are on first name basis with reporters and not just the newspaper media. There are also TV crews, internet writers and bloggers as well as the normal newpaper crews. They travel alongside the team and cover us on the road.
Q: I know you used to hang out on Scout.com message boards - do you still enjoy the internet and want to connect with fans? (I suppose so given this request to send questions in.)
A: I still venture on to the websites just to see what fans think. I love hearing from fans and that is why I asked Mark if I could answer some questions.
Q: Kind of tied in - what is the perception of the internet among the team? I'm recalling a player saying "internet baaaad!" when a picture of me and Fick was taken at the Diamond Gala and I said it would be posted on the internet. And follow-on: Would any of the players (or yourself) keep their own blogs? Someone with a big personality who isn't afraid of it? I'd love to see a Nats player's blog. (I'll accept guest posts... haha!)
A: I can't really speak for anyone else, but I wouldn't do a blog. I know there are some people that do, but thats the extent of my knowledge. My opinion of the internet is mixed. I love when the fans reach out with their thoughts, but I don't like when they are misinformed. That will always happen though. The internet is just a way for people to exchange thoughts and information.
Q: What play would you consider the best Nats blooper reel?
A: Zim is a human highlight reel, the Vince Carter of baseball. Bloopers? Not too sure haven't been here all year. Matt Chico's throw over the Marlins dugout was pretty interesting though!

That's it for Round 1 with Jason. He promises to answer more questions during his long flight home from L.A. tonight, so keep sending them in, and I'll forward them to him!