Q: Which of the dozen or so pitchers in the running in Viera have the best chance of filling the last four spots in the rotation? Any hope for a rookie breakthrough by Beltran Perez or Matt Chico? -- Tina Sellers, Tysons Corner

A: It's hard to say at this point whether any member of the dirty dozen has a leg up on the rest of the competition. We won't really know until these guys start throwing in the bullpen and then in exhibition games. That said, I believe Tim Redding will almost certainly crack the rotation, barring a horrendous spring. He's had success in the majors before, he's coming off a solid season at Class AAA and he has a previous relationship with Manny Acta.

As far as the rookies are concerned, both Perez and Chico will absolutely be given a long look this spring, and either or both could make the Opening Day rotation. Perez was surprisingly effective (and poised) during his brief stint with the Nats last September, and Chico is highly regarded within the organization. Of course, there's no rush with either guy, and I doubt the club would put either on the 25-man roster unless he clearly earned it. Also, there's nothing wrong with letting them open the year at Columbus, then getting the call-up a month or two into the season.


Q: Given the state of the Nats' starting rotation, has any consideration been given to thinking out of the box and using relievers as starters and asking them to go three innings each, like in spring training? -- Les Abernathy

A: Wow, that's not just out-of-the-box thinking. That's out of the universe! I wouldn't count on seeing anything like that happen. While it may sound like a good idea in theory, the toll it would take on a bullpen would be enormous. Think about it: Even the best relievers only pitch an inning or two every other day over the course of a season. Your plan would require most guys to pitch multiple innings on consecutive days, for six months. I know the Nats' rotation doesn't look good, but it's still better than a staff of exhausted relievers.