From Jeffrey Saffelle in Alexandria:
Obviously, Ronnie Belliard has played well, overall, both in the field and at the plate. Where does this leave Manny Acta, when Cristian Guzman returns? Does Belliard go to the bench, Felipe Lopez to second and Guzman back to short? It's an interesting dilemma. My bet is that Guzman plays. It's the only way the Nats can figure out whether he STILL CAN PLAY.
Mark Zuckerman:
It's a VERY interesting dilemma, and one that's worth watching closely in the coming weeks. There's no question Belliard has played well since being inserted in the starting lineup, at the plate and also in the field (where he had one shaky game but has been more than solid since). On top of that Lopez has played well at shortstop. So what do the Nats do? My hunch is that Guzman will be back at short, Lopez at second and Belliard on the bench at first. Manny Acta is no dummy, he knows how best to handle players, and he knows Guzman is fragile enough that a benching would not sit well with him. He also knows Belliard can handle the role of bench player, and in some ways could be even more valuable there as a right-handed bat. But listen to what Jim Bowden said yesterday when asked about the crowded infield: "We are committed to the best team on the field that we can. That's what we are committed to." Not exactly a ringing endorsement for Guzman. I say Guzie gets to start for at least a week, but if he doesn't produce, don't be surprised if Acta makes the switch.

From Ryan in NW Washington:
Mark: What's going on with Chad Cordero? It seems like having an "easy" save isn't possible -- it's always walk, single, walk and Manny Acta is gaining gray hair. Even though he often escapes, does this tell you that Cordero won't be a closer his whole career or does it mean that he's wired for the job since the pressure doesn't bother him?
Mark Zuckerman:
I asked both Manny Acta and Chad this question the other day, after his latest escape act. Asked Acta if it's possible Cordero just needs to be in the ultimate pressure situation to succeed. Manny's response: "God, I hope not." Chad, though, acknowledged it could be possible. He genuinely seems to live for those pressure situations, and more often than not, he seems to come out of it with the save. I know he doesn't have the best "stuff" in the world, and I know he falls into some bad traps when he either can't throw strikes or throws everything over the plate. But he's got the heart of a lion, and I think that should count for something in this business. I say he's going to be a solid, though maybe not elite, closer for his entire career.

From Maggie in Springfield:
Ryan Zimmerman seems to be in something of a slump. What's going on?
Mark Zuckerman:
You're right that Zim has not been producing like his usual self at the plate. Just went through a 3-for-33 slump before finally breaking free with only his third RBI of the season the other day in New York. He thought that might get him back on track, but then last night in a clutch situation in the seventh inning, Zim struck out swinging at a nasty slider from Braves reliever Rafael Soriano (albeit after fouling off six straight pitches). I think there may be a couple of things going on. 1) Zim's pressing a little at the plate, 2) He's not getting a lot of protection behind him in the lineup without Nick Johnson around, 3) He's been the victim of bad luck. More than a few times, he's smoked a ball right at an infielder or outfielder and nothing to show for it. Give him a few more weeks. I'll think he'll snap out of it and look more like last year's Zim.

From Brian in Alexandria:
The Nationals selected OF Mike Restovich's contract when they demoted Kory Casto. What other move did the Nationals make to open up a spot on the 40-man for Restovich given that they were at 40/40 before selecting Restovich?
Mark Zuckerman:
Mike O'Connor was transferred from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. That clears up space on the 40-man for Restovich, who is expected to be in uniform for tonight's game. Actually, the Nats have the ability to make several more of these moves if the situation arises. Nick Johnson is only on the 15-day DL. Obviously, he's not going to be back within 60 days, so he could easily be transferred himself to create more room if someone else from the minor leagues needs to be added to the 40-man.

From Robert in Springfield:
Hi. The Nats called up OF Michael Restovich. With Robert Fick getting action in the outfield, how much playing time will Restovich get?
Mark Zuckerman:
Restovich will be playing exclusively off the bench. The Nats added him to the roster because they sorely need a right-handed bat for late-inning, pinch-hit situations. To date, they've been forced to use Josh Wilson and Jesus Flores, not exactly imposing presences at the plate. Restovich has a little bit of major-league experience, and while he's nothing that special, he does have the ability to hit the ball a long way, so that counts for something. One other thing to note: Robert Fick, though he started in right field last night, won't be in the starting lineup much. Manny Acta just wanted to get him in the lineup for one day, so he gave Austin Kearns the night off. Kearns is expected to be back in there tonight, with Fick on the bench again.

From Section 409 in Alexandria:
Stan Kasten talks about his plan for rebuilding the team. What you don't hear is his plan for rebuilding the fan base. Seems to me with incremental increases in tickets and parking over the past two years, the new ownership is taking the fans for granted. Given the product on the field I think they believe with the new stadium, the fans will come regardless. Seems like after the euphoria of 2005 attendance has been on a declne. Do you think they are making a mistake by trying to cash in before they've got a solid fan base?
Mark Zuckerman:
There's certainly been more and more talk about this kind of stuff lately, especially with the team playing so poorly the first week of the season. All I can say is that Kasten is very diligent in what he does and he believes strongly in his "plan." The Lerner family is on board with it, as is Jim Bowden. Now, a major part of that plan is building up a fan base that can be counted on to support this franchise through good times and bad. Based strictly on the attendance numbers so far this year, it should be obvious many fans are speaking back and telling the Nats they don't want to spend good money to watch a last-place team. Everyone believes that will change next year, and that fans will turn out in huge numbers to the new ballpark regardless of the team's record. I believe that will be the case. There will be a honeymoon period. However, that honeymoon's not going to last forever. If the Nats are playing competitive ball in 2009, I think you'll see the fans turn away in droves. The task facing the club now is: 1) How to make sure this team can contend in two years, and 2) How to make sure the fans are kept happy until then.

From 41 Games in Stafford, VA:
Mark: Any word on Simontacchi returning? Figure after JWills 0-3 start, along w/an erratic Bergman they would at least be looking for a fresh arm.
Mark Zuckerman:
Jason Simontacchi, out since Opening Day with a strained groin, threw 2 2/3 innings yesterday at extended spring training in Florida and is still complaining of some soreness. Doesn't sound like the Nats are going to rush him back. Manny Acta said he wouldn't put Simontacchi in his rotation until he's able to go at least five innings in a minor-league game. So what does that mean for the major-league rotation? Well, plenty of eyes will be on Jason Bergmann tonight to see how he follows up last week's gem in Atlanta. Williams, meanwhile, has not looked especially good. And worse, he was really down on himself last night, saying he has no confidence in himself. Red flag alert! Red flag alert! If Williams doesn't turn it around his next time out, his job could be in jeopardy. Who would fill the spot? Well, there's Joel Hanrahan and Emiliano Fruto at Class AAA Columbus. There's also Levale Speigner sitting in the Nats' bullpen serving as a long man who hasn't been needed for the last week.

From Miss Chatter in Falls Church:
What non-game activities are they doing with Jesus Flores to ensure his continuing development? It seems a shame to have him waste away getting splinters in his behind and an occasional at-bat for the sake of keeping him on the roster in order to comply with the rule 5 rules.
Mark Zuckerman:
Flores has been doing a lot of early work with the coaching staff, both in the batting cage and behind the plate. I know we haven't seen very much of him in games so far, but I'm telling you, the Nats (and others) are hugely impressed with him. One scout who has been watching this team since spring training thinks Flores is going to be an All-Star someday. Now, you don't want to completely stunt his growth, so he can't just sit on the bench and never play. I think you'll see him get some more starts soon, especially against left-handers when Brian Schneider needs a day off.

From Bob in Washington:
What's up with the field at RFK? It's looked horrible on this homestand, and I saw where John Smoltz had some less-than-rosy things to say about it.
Mark Zuckerman:
You're right, the field has looked awful this week. That's because while the Nats were out of town, D.C. United made its season debut. So now you've got green paint covering up the soccer field lines, not to mention an unsightly line of chewed up grass in left field where the third-base stands slide around for the stadium's soccer configuration. There's not much the grounds crew can do about this. It's the sad reality of a major-league baseball team sharing a facility with a major-league soccer team. Maybe that's why there's no other team in MLB that does this. All I can say is: Less than 12 months til the new *baseball-only* stadium opens!

Well, that's going to do it for this week. Thanks to everyone who sent questions in. Please make sure to come back next Wednesday at 2 p.m. for the next installment. Remember: We're going to do these things regularly all season (with only a few exceptions when there are conflicts), so set your watches to it. Thanks again, enjoy the game tonight!