Q: Will the Nats keep a close eye on the closer situation in Boston? The Red Sox GM should be under a lot of pressure to make another run for a title, and without an effective closer that may not be possible. Also, I credit the Nats for signing Austin Kearns to a long-term deal. Why not make a long-term offer to John Patterson?
-- Kevin Flynn, Elkridge, Md.

A: I know there was a lot of speculation this winter about a possible Chad Cordero trade to Boston, but it should be noted that talks never progressed beyond a preliminary stage. This probably had something to do with Jim Bowden asking for Craig Hansen (among others) in return for Cordero, and Theo Epstein hanging up the phone before Bowden could say the second syllable of Hansen's last name.

It's certainly possible that the Red Sox could get back into the market for a closer once the season begins and their bullpen begins to take shape. But it should be clear the Nationals have no interest in dealing Cordero unless they're blown away with an offer. Remember: Cordero remains an integral part of Washington's long-term rebuilding plan. He's 24 years old, he's establishing a pretty solid track record of success and Bowden has offered him a two-year deal in the last week. (Cordero turned down the offer and almost certainly will be headed for arbitration on Tuesday.) Sounds like the kind of player the Nationals want to build around, not send packing. ...

As far as a Patterson long-term deal is concerned, the Nationals' position on this is simple: Until Patterson proves he can 1) stay healthy for an entire season and pitch 200 innings, and 2) pitch to the same level he did during his breakthrough 2005 season, a multi-year contract makes no sense. It's not worth the gamble. Plus, Patterson is only in his first year of arbitration eligibility, so he remains the Nationals' property through 2009.

Now, if he performs as everyone hopes he will this season, talk of a contract extension could be appropriate next winter.