From Mark in Oakton, Va.:
I've been reading that when Alex Escobar returns he will play left field and Ryan Church will play center. Furthermore, Ryan Langerhans and Nook Logan will be fighting for leftovers with Langerhans possibly being cut. Why is there no mention of reducing the playing time of Austin Kearns? He's been a black hole in the lineup most of the season -- a 6'4, 250 lb. singles hitter at his best.
Mark Zuckerman:
I certainly understand your point. Kearns has been dreadful this season, far less than the Nats had hoped for. However, there is still a belief within the organization that he can develop into a quality, complementary player, the kind of guy who could hit sixth on a good team. There's certainly no guarantee of that, and it may not prove to be true. But remember: Kearns is signed for three years and $17.5 million. For better or worse, he's here for a while. It's not going to do much good putting him on the bench. Might as well keep trotting him out there and hoping he can turn it around.

From Barry Prophet in Reston:
Mark: To be nice, the Nationals' outfield has stunk this season. Looking to 2008, I'm assuming Austin Kearns will return as the right fielder. Taking into account the free agent market and the Nats' minor league system, who would you have playing LF and CF next April?
Mark Zuckerman:
As stated above, yes, Austin Kearns is the right fielder moving forward, by virtue of his contract if nothing else. The other two spots, I would say, are wide open going into next year. Ryan Church would have to stay in the mix based on the glimpses we've seen from him. Alex Escobar, if healthy -- and yes, I know you can never, never, never count on that happening -- should also be in the mix. Minor leaguers? Really, Kory Casto is the only one close enough to cracking the big leagues. I don't think Chris Marrero, Mike Daniel or Justin Maxwell are going to be ready, at least not by Opening Day 2008. So look for the Nats to sign at least one free agent (probably a center fielder, how about Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowand?) this winter.

In-game update: Luke Scott just hit a solo homer to right to cut the Nats' lead to 4-2. We're still in the top of the fifth, with Jason Bergmann still on the mound for Washington. Also, George Washington won the Presidents Race in a runaway. Sorry, Teddy fans: He finished dead last yet again.

From Robert in Springfield:
Concerning the trade deadline, it looks like there are more bats available than pitchers. Does that mean Jon Rauch is the most valuable trade commodity the Nats have right now?
Mark Zuckerman:
You are correct in noting that more hitters are available than pitchers, though that's usually the case. And sure, Rauch could be a valuable piece for a contending team looking for bullpen help. But I don't think there's any way you could say that Dmitri Young isn't the Nats' most valuable trade commodity. The guy, lest we forget, entered today with the best batting average in the NL: .341. He will command more in a trade than Rauch will.

From Jeff in West Lafayette, Ind.:
Why is the media rarely speaking about Montreal Expos history/trivia, like some memo came out of Selig's office. Great example: Rex Hudler interviewed on ESPNnews the other day and his career run down, and the term 'other country' used instead of Montreal. Selig sure has some issues he wants kept swept under the rug. Some of the most patient Nats fans are ole expo fans, FYI.
Mark Zuckerman:
Say what you will about Bud Selig and the way the Expos were treated by baseball, but I can assure you he has made no outward effort to erase Montreal history. I can't speak for other media outlets, but I frequently refer to current Nats approaching or breaking Expos franchise records. And the Nats' media guide continues to list all Expo records as part of the franchise history.

Another in-game update: Ryan Langerhans just absolutely crushed a three-run homer into the right-field mezzanine. The Nats now lead 7-2 in the bottom of the fifth, thanks to a spate of clutch, multi-run hits. When's the last time we saw that?

From gilsfan in State of Confusion:
Can you please give us an update on John Patterson's treatments in Toronto? We'd really like to know how he is doing.
Mark Zuckerman:
Thanks for the question, gilsfan, and yes, your original question did make it through. Many of you have mentioned that you've had trouble with our website, and I just wanted to pass on that they have been going through a lot the last few weeks with a new server and other technical glitches. Thanks for your patience through this, and if you ever have trouble sending a question in, you can always e-mail them directly to me at natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com.

Re: Patterson ... Haven't gotten word on his treatments yet, but the process is expected to take nearly three weeks, so we may not hear something for a while still. One good sign: A's closer Huston Street, who just went through the same treatment program in Toronto, appears to be progressing quite well and could be close to returning to the mound.

From Neal in Gaithersburg:
Any update on negotiations with Josh Smoker? How important is it that the Nats sign him, considering he was one of the guys we got for Soriano?
Mark Zuckerman:
Good question. I'm not sure if everyone realizes this, but the two compensatory draft picks the Nats got for losing Alfonso Soriano to free agency were the 31st overall pick (Smoker) and the 67th overall pick (right-hander Jordan Zimmermann). Zimmermann (no relation to Ryan) has an 0.73 ERA with low-Class A Vermont. Smoker, a high school lefty from Georgia, has yet to sign. He did just switch agents yesterday, which could be a sign he's close to coming to terms with the Nats. If he doesn't sign, he plans to play at Clemson this fall. This bears close watching over the next month.

Another in-game update: Couple of nice diving stops by Ryan Zimmerman helps Bergmann get out of the sixth with no damage. Astros starter Jason Jennings is now out of the game, replaced by Matt Albers. We're in the bottom of the sixth, Nats still comfortably ahead, 7-2.

From Brian in Alexandria:
Mark, Jim Bowden refuted the internet report about a potential $2 million plus offer to 6th round selection Jack McGeary. Is this posturing on Bowden's part or do you believe there was no basis to the report to begin with?
Mark Zuckerman:
Yes, Bowden strongly refuted that report, calling it completely untrue. Was this more posturing on his part? We'll never know for sure, but I tend to take him at his word on this one. He denied the report pretty forcefully. The Nats will still try to sign McGeary (a first-round talent who dropped to the sixth round because of his strong commitment to play at Stanford) but we'll see if they're willing to meet his high demands.

OK, we're now into the seventh inning here at RFK, so I'm going to have to cut the Q&A short and get back to work. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions, and thanks again for your patience as we try to get our revamped website in order. As always, the Nats Mailbag will run on Monday, so send me questions for that in advance -- natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com. Take care, everyone!