From B. Prophet in Reston:
Mark: Assuming Dmitri Young is on the trading block, what teams are the best fit for him? I think Minnesota would be ideal. Also, should the Nats trade Young? Nick Johnson still hasn't played in 2007 -- if he is still hurt at the end of the season, would the Nats consider bringing Young back on a 1-year deal?
Mark Zuckerman:
I agree that the Twins would make a lot of sense, but I have heard no actual confirmation of discussions between Washington and Minnesota. Other possible fits: the Angels, Braves, Yankees (maybe). I believe the Nats need to listen to all offers for Dmitri and take the best available one. If Nick Johnson doesn't make it back next year (a possibility), Young absolutely could re-sign next season. He is forever grateful to Jim Bowden for giving him a chance this season, and because of that would be very open to coming back.

From Carrie in Casper, Wyo.:
So Mark, any word on who will be starting for the Nats this weekend?
Mark Zuckerman:
No official word yet, but there are STRONG indications that the Nats are going to promote John Lannan from Columbus, not for the weekend series in New York, but for TOMORROW'S game in Philly! Lannan is scheduled to start for Columbus tonight. Keep an eye to see if he's pulled, an obvious indication of the Nats' plans. If that happens, he'll make his major-league debut against the Phillies, with Mike Bacsik going Friday against the Mets, Tim Redding and (probably) Joel Hanrahan in Saturday's doubleheader and Billy Traber on Sunday. Stay tuned.

From Nats Fan in Fairfax:
With his string of bad luck this season, does Murphy's Law suggest the it is likely that Jason Bergmann will be the pitcher to give up #756 to Barry Bonds?
Mark Zuckerman:
I don't know for sure about Bergmann -- for all we know he could end up on the DL with his hamstring injury -- but I've had a hunch all along that Bonds will break the record against the Nats when we're in town Aug. 6-9. If it doesn't happen one of those days, he'll give it another shot that weekend against the Pirates. Either way, I know I'll be there covering it live!

From Wremo in Parts Unknown:
As we go through this year's trade deadline scramble, I couldn't help but think back to last year and Alfonso Soriano. Do we know what were some of or (or the best) trade that Bowden actually turned down, as opposed to all of the speculation?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hmm, interesting question. I do know a few names of guys who were offered last summer for Soriano, but I was told them in absolute confidence by a Nats front office official who would probably never speak to me again if I spilled the beans. Let's just say the three teams who were strongest in their pursuits of Soriano were the Twins, Tigers and Angels. None was willing to offer their No. 1 pitching prospect in exchange for Alfonso, but they were willing to offer their next tier of pitching prospects. Sorry I can't divulge more than that...

From Brian in Alexandria:
Mark, assuming John Lannan is promoted to make the start in Philadelphia tomorrow, what are the chances he remains for an extended period of time or more importantly the remainder of the season? It seems somewhat odd to bring him up in July for one start, use an option and get his arbitration clock started. If they just need one spot start why not use a guy like Mike O'Connor whose option has already been used in 2007?
Mark Zuckerman:
IF Lannan is called up -- and again, that's still an if at this point -- I would expect him to stay here. The Nats aren't going to throw a 22-year-old to the wolves, have him make one start and then send him back down. As we all know, this year isn't about wins and losses, it's about development. If the club feels Lannan is mentally prepared for the challenge, they'll call him up and let him take his lumps for the next two months (much as they did in April with Matt Chico).

From Big Nat Fan in Manassas:
Hey Mark, how about this trade: Dmitri Young and Jon Rauch for A-Rod. I think we could use a big bat on our roster.
Mark Zuckerman:
Uh yeah, and the Yankees will be perfectly willing to trade the AL MVP for a two-month rental DH and a middle reliever...

From bondsman in San Francisco:
Hey Mark, do you think the recent power outage in SF today was a ploy by the Giants to give Barry Bonds an extra day off without wanting to sit him out of a home game?
Mark Zuckerman:
Not sure I'm completely following you here. You think the Giants purposely wanted Bonds to go homerless so he could prolong the chase and keep fans coming to the ballpark? Doubtful. The Giants are the first ones who want this whole circus to end and for Bonds to reach 756. They would love for him to do it by the end of the week, not prolong this until August.

From Cathy in Falls Church:
So are you looking forward to covering Barry Bonds passing the mark (haha)? Or are you somewhat ambivalent about it?
Mark Zuckerman:
For those who aren't aware, I'll be leaving the Nats beat as soon as Bonds hits No. 755 and flying out to San Francisco (or wherever he is) to cover the record-setter. ... I'm actually looking forward to covering it. This is obviously one of the biggest sports stories of my lifetime, and I think it will be really cool to see and chronicle it firsthand. The only thing I don't want is for it to drag on for weeks. I do like covering the Nats on a daily basis, and with all that's going on right now, I'd hate to leave the beat for any extended period of time.

From Brian in Alexandria:
Do you have your weekly Josh Smoker update? There have been rumblings that a large percentage of the unsigned first rounders (and supplemental first rounders) are basically done but are being held back because the bonuses are over the MLB recommended slot. Could Smoker fall into that?
Mark Zuckerman:
Nothing new to report on the Smoker front. I believe these negotiations are going to go all the way down to the wire. The new deadline is Aug. 15 to sign all draft picks before they go to college instead. If he does sign, I do think he'll get slightly above slot, but not an ungodly amount.

From gocaps in Columbus, Ohio:
Do you think John Lannan will get his shot this weekend? It seems everyone is talking about it, yet the team hasn't confirmed it.
Mark Zuckerman:
Like I said, no official word yet but strong indications he'll be called up to start tomorrow. Hey, you're in Columbus -- why don't you go to the park this afternoon and see if Lannan's been pulled from his scheduled start. (Psst, please give me a call if he is!)

I'm sorry to say our time has run out. Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. Keep checking Nats Home Plate and the Chatter blog this afternoon/evening for the latest on the Nats' rotation. And if you're not doing anything at 3:00, tune into 980 AM. I'll be on the air talking Nats and whatnot with B-Mitch and Smokin' Al. Talk to you later!