Q: Will Rule 5 draftee Levale Speigner have a chance to win a spot in the Nats' rotation? He was a well-regarded prospect in the Twins' organization before coming to the Nats. It's my impression that Speigner had only moved to the bullpen because the Twins organization was already stocked with starting pitchers.
-- Len Foxwell
Easton, Md.

A: Short answer: Yes, Speigner will have a chance. Long answer: It's a slim chance. With so many starters in camp -- at least 12 vying for four open spots -- it's tough for a relative unknown like Speigner to crack the Opening Day rotation. Of course, as a Rule 5 pick, he either has to make the major-league roster or be offered back to Minnesota, so that can be viewed as a positive in Speigner's case. But the only way the Nationals will keep him is if they are absolutely sure he's the best person for the job and is ready to handle the pressures of pitching every fifth day in the big leagues. With more experienced guys like Tim Redding, Jerome Williams and Jason Simontacchi and more highly touted youngsters like Matt Chico, Shawn Hill and Beltran Perez also in the mix, it could be easy for someone like Speigner to get lost in the shuffle.