From Kristen in Fairfax:
Do you know if the Nats will be changing their uniforms at all next season when they move into the new stadium? Or, better yet, changing their mascot?
Mark Zuckerman:
No new uniforms, the Lerners seem to like the current ones. There will, however, be a shoulder patch commemmorating the first year in the new ballpark. As for everyone's favorite baby eagle -- or as one young child I know called him this season, "a chicken" -- sounds like he'll be back once again, too. Evidently little kids like Screech. The rest of us would just prefer he stays out of the way and stops thrusting his ample belly toward unsuspecting fans.

From Patti Shea in Washington:
Hi Mark - I have a couple questions for ya:
1) What will you miss about RFK?
2) RFK has been called a pitcher's park. Will the new stadium be considered the same thing?
Mark Zuckerman:
1) Uh, the rats? No, actually I will miss the way the stands shake when the Nats do something big. And I'll also miss how accessible it was both for drivers and Metro-users.
2) We won't know for sure how the new park plays until we're in there and see a decent sample of games. But the impression seems to be that it will play fair. Certainly not as cavernous as RFK, but it's not a bandbox like Citizens Bank Park in Philly, either.

From Brian in Alexandria:
Have the Nationals said anything about anyone in particular for September 1st roster expansion? I seem to recall Jim Bowden referencing that pitchers would likely be the popular choice. Are any of the prospects among consideration?
Mark Zuckerman:
No, Bowden and the club are keeping a tight lip on the names of the September call-ups. Obviously, they want to tell the players before they tell the public. But I would suspect several pitchers to get the call, especially relievers like Chris Booker, Winston Abreu and Arnie Munoz who have all done well at Columbus. Matt Chico and John Lannan will come back, too, after their brief return to the minors (though Lannan won't pitch much the rest of the season). The big question to me is whether they call up Collin Balester, the organization's top prospect for the last few season. The right-hander has done OK at Columbus but hasn't dominated. Do they want to give him a shot in September, or just wait til next spring to bring him to camp? We'll find out Saturday.

From Vin S. in Chavez Ravine:
Beyond Ryan Zimmerman and potential batting champ Dmitri Young, with one at-bat deciding the game in the 9th inning, who in your opinion gives Manny Acta the best AB?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hi, Vin! I have to say, it is such a thrill for me to see you wandering around the Dodger Stadium press box and to hear that unmistakable voice in person. Here's hoping you never retire. ... But to answer your question, I think I'll go with Ronnie Belliard. He's had some ups and downs this season, but he's a veteran hitter who usually knows how to work an at-bat. One other possibility: How about Tony Batista, who quietly has become a clutch performer off the bench? Never saw that one coming.

From Leo in Bethesda:
OK, there's a month left in the season. 1. Who makes the NL playoffs? 2. Who makes the AL playoffs? 3. Do the Nationals avoid 90 defeats?
Mark Zuckerman:
1. NL East: Mets, Central: Cubs, West: Padres, Wild-card: Diamondbacks.
2: AL East: Red Sox, Central: Tigers, West: Angels, Wild-card: Indians.
3: Hmm, before this little skid, I'd have said yes. But they're now on pace to go 70-92, and they've got a bunch of games against the Mets, Braves and Phillies still to go. I don't think they can avoid 90 anymore.

From Natsfan in Burke:
I just heard Washington Post Radio is going under? What does that mean for the Nats? Will they have to switch stations again next season?
Mark Zuckerman:
They'll be fine for the rest of the season, even though the format on WTWP is changing. The Nats could still remain on the station next year, depending on what WTWP decides it's going to be for the long haul. The 50,000-watt AM signal (not to mention the simulcast on FM) is really enticing. So unless a better offer comes up, I wouldn't be surprised if the Nats remain on the station next year.

From John in Alexandria:
Have the Nationals made any additional in-roads internationally this year? They announced some signings from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic earlier this year but have noticably quiet since. I'm most curious whether they've made any steps in the Pacific Rim area.
Mark Zuckerman:
No significant signings have been announced this summer, despite some talk from the front office that they were working on some things. They are, however, attempting to make some in-roads in Asia. Scout Bill Singer is heading up the operation in that part of the world. These things don't happen overnight. It can take several years to build up a presence out there, but it will be interesting to see if the Nats puruse the next big Japanese outfielder. His name eludes me at the moment, but he's expected to come to the U.S. next season.

From Barry Prophet in Reston:
Since Atlanta outfielder Andruw Jones is having such a miserable season, does that mean his value is diminished enough that a team like the Nationals could be in the running for say, 70 cents on the dollar and put Jones in center field?
Mark Zuckerman:
Just had this discussion with a top Nats official yesterday. His feeling was that Jones' asking price absolutely will suffer because of his surprisingly poor season. I would expect the Nats to make a serious run at Andruw this winter. Stan Kasten has a good relationship with Jones, even if he doesn't get along well with agent Scott Boras (who was in the park last night as well). Whether the Nats are willing to go all the way to outpay the other big-name clubs that will be after Andruw remains to be seen.

From Kosuke Fukodome in Japan:
He just had elbow surgery a week or so ago.
Mark Zuckerman:
Well, there you have it. Thanks for the name and injury update.

From Clinton P. at Redskins Park:
I consider myself an O's fan in the AL, and the Nats are my NL club. Which franchise is going to reward me first, and when?
Mark Zuckerman:
Hey, Southeast Jerome: Shouldn't you be more concerned with getting yourself back on the field in time for the season opener? Didn't realize you were a baseball fan. But to answer your question, I believe the Nats will succeed before the Orioles do. Baltimore's got a LOT of issues, and while Washington is still a few years away, at least the Nats have a plan in place and a growing stockpile of top prospects.

From Sue Van Slyke:
I know you are tired of my asking you the same question over and over, but here it is again. Have you heard whether or not John Patterson's arm has recovered from his latest setback? Is he throwing again? I'm sure this must be very disappointing for him to have this setback after he has worked so hard to get back on the mound for the Nats.
Mark Zuckerman:
According to Jim Bowden the other day, Patterson's arm "feels great". Bowden did say this with a slight twinge of sarcasm in his voice, as if to suggest he won't believe it til he sees it himself. Regardless, I think we can now say there's simply not enough time for Patterson to get back into shape to pitch for the Nats this season. It's too bad, because I know how many people would like to see John pitch again, myself included.

OK, that'll do it for today. Gotta grab a quick bite before the game starts. Thanks to everyone who sent in questions. And don't forget, if you have questions for Jason Bergmann, I'm taking those, too. Send them to natsmailbag@washingtontimes.com. See you back in D.C.!