From Gary Fogel in Reston:
I'm curious what you think about Chad Cordero's season. While his numbers will look pretty good in the end, he seemed to have an awful lot of close calls and blown saves. Was this a good year for Chief, or is he maybe not the answer long-term?
Mark Zuckerman:
Good one to start on, given last night's game (in which Cordero put three straight men on base and was yanked by Manny Acta with two outs still to go). Cordero's numbers -- 3-3, 3.41 ERA, 36 saves -- are solid. And more often than not, he does get the job done. But you are right that he's had plenty of shaky moments. His nine blown saves lead MLB, and those don't even count games like last night where he almost blows it. It seemed to me last night that Chad was gassed. He's made a career-high 75 appearances, and he's showed signs of wearing down each of the last three seasons. If the Nats can find a way to ease his workload a little bit next year, perhaps that would help keep him fresh through the finish line.

From Rick Tatro:
I cannot believe Bob Carpenter will be fired at seasons end. What is up with MASN & the Nats? I find Bob to be very smart, funny and works great with Don Sutton. What is the story behind the story?
Mark Zuckerman:
A lot of people have expressed sadness over the Nats not renewing Carpenter's contract for next season, myself included. In my opinion, Bob is a solid, professional play-by-play guy who probably deserved a better fate. That said, I think what's important to remember here is that Bob was hired in 2006 by the previous, MLB-run regime. The Lerners and Stan Kasten inherited him upon taking over the team in midseason last year. And as we all know, new owners like to hire "their" guys. It was no surprise that Don Sutton was hired last winter, based on his past relationship with Kasten in Atlanta. Might the Nats look south again for their new PBP man? I haven't heard any concrete info, but I wouldn't be stunned if another Atlanta type joins the fold. In the meantime, let's all hope Carpenter gets another job in baseball soon. The man deserves it.

From Brian in Alexandria:
Mark, thanks for the chats this year. I was wondering if you had hear any reports from the instructional league in Viera. Is it true that Chris Marrero was playing 1B? Anything else of note?
Mark Zuckerman:
Thanks, Brian, and to all of you loyal readers who have become regular weekly participants in the chat. I appreciate all of your questions (and please, tell your friends to join in!). I do have a little bit of info from the Nats' first instructional league game, a 5-1 win over St. Louis yesterday. Nothing too exciting to report, but guys who pitched included first-round pick Josh Smoker (1 unearned run in two innings), plus Justin Jones, Hassan Pena and Cory Van Allen. Outfielder Mike Daniel was 2-for-3 with a stolen base. Don't have any info on Marrero, but I wouldn't be surprised if he gets some work at first base. That's what this instructional league is about, teaching young guys and trying out some new things in a relaxed atmosphere.

From Tom Perris in Burlington, Ontario:
Hi, Mark. What's with the Nats continuing to throw Hanrahan out there every 5 days when he's pitching so poorly? Wouldn't Bascik give them a better chance to win over these last few series?
Mark Zuckerman:
Well, as a matter of fact, Hanrahan has been bumped from the rotation. Because of tomorrow's off-day, the Nats could afford to skip over his turn and still pitch Redding, Chico and Bergmann on normal rest for the final series of the season. Hanrahan will be available to pitch out of the bullpen starting tonight. Bacsik, meanwhile, gets the nod tonight in place of Shawn Hill (who is having forearm/elbow surgery later this afternoon).

From Kevin Blanchard:
Is the 2008 schedule out? I thought that they might have it to put out on Saturday night as they have the previous two seasons? I would be interested in seeing it even if it only preliminary. Thanks.
Mark Zuckerman:
No, the schedule hasn't been released yet, unlike the past two years when the Nats unveiled it during the final week of the season. MLB still hasn't finalized it yet, so it's not the Nats' fault. A few details have emerged, though. Washington's interleague opponents will be the Angels, Rangers and Orioles at home, and the Mariners, Twins and Orioles on the road. The Phillies have announced their schedule, and it shows the Nats opening the season at Citizens Bank Park on Monday, March 31, Wednesday April 2 and Thursday April 3. There remains a chance, though, that the Nats could actually open the season at home with one game on Sunday, March 30. At least that's what the team has petitioned for. Stay tuned.

From Joe in Sacramento:
First off I would like to say that I look forward to these chats because, let me tell you, it is darn near impossible to talk Nats baseball with anyone out here on the west coast. And my question deals with this issue in a roundabout way. Since the Nats have little to no nationals television exposure and no marquee marketable player, how will Kasten, Bowden, etc. look to address this issue for the upcoming year if at all? I know that Kasten stated that he probably will not go after big name, high priced free agents (A.Jones?, Hunter?), and would rather make trades in order to upgrade the team. But, to me putting a face to the franchise could be an important step in gaining a bigger audience, and in turn, more revenue. Thanks
Mark Zuckerman:
Thanks for chiming in from the West Coast! This is a valid question, and something the Nats have to consider as they continue to build this franchise. Kasten is on record as saying he believes the Nats will be a "big-market" club, top five in baseball -- behind the New York teams but perhaps on par with Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Atlanta, etc. Now, how are they going to do that? It appears they're sticking with the slow-and-steady route. While a big-name free-agent signing this winter would make a big splash and bring the club instant recognition, Stan flat-out says he doesn't believe in making a big-name signing just to make a big splash. If he thinks a player like that can help the team win now and long-term, he'll do it. But don't count on such a move happening this winter. Think winter 2009 instead.

From Brian:
Given Stan Kasten's comments about not pursuing free agents this offseason, are we likely seeing all of the candidates for the 2008 rotation right now? Outside of possibly Collin Balester, is there anyone else new likely to be signed or is what we see what we get?
Mark Zuckerman:
I think you'll mostly see familiar faces next season: Shawn Hill, Jason Bergmann, Matt Chico, Tim Redding, John Lannan, maybe John Patterson. Balester could have a shot at making the rotation with a big spring, but remember he's still only 21 years old. I would also, though, expect the Nats to sign a few more six-year minor-league free agents to help provide some competition and fill out the staff here and at Columbus. You won't see 37 pitchers like you did a year ago, but Jim Bowden has shown he's pretty good at finding some diamonds in the rough.

From Larry in Silver Spring:
I read where Frank Robinson was in attendance last night and spent time talking to the Nats pregame. Did he and Bowden shake hands and make up, or are they still giving each other the cold shoulder?
Mark Zuckerman:
Didn't appear Frank and Jim saw each other last night. They did, however, shake hands and talk earlier this summer when the Nats were in San Francisco and Frank was there for Barry Bonds' 756th homer. So it's not like they're not on speaking terms or anything. That said, there's been no budging from Frank or the Nats when it comes to mending this relationship. So don't look for any Frank Robinson Day at the new ballpark just yet.

From Barry Prophet in Reston:
We now know the Nats are going to at least match (hopefully surpass) last year's 71-win total. So give us your prediction for next year: How many games will the Nats win in 2008?
Mark Zuckerman:
Wow, starting a little early, aren't we? There's so much yet to be determined -- free agents, trades, injuries -- so I'll refrain from making an official prediction until next spring. But I'll say this: Most rebuilding baseball clubs feel that a 10-game improvement from year to year is reasonable. I think the Nats will go into 2008 believing 81-81 is attainable. That will then position themselves to make a real run in 2009.

And with that, we will wrap up the live chat for the regular season. Thank you again to everyone who has submitted questions along the way, and to anyone who has offered kind words and praise throughout the season. It is much appreciated. We haven't figured out yet what our plan is for the offseason, but my hope is that we'll do more of these chats, perhaps on a twice-monthly basis or something like that. I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, enjoy the final four games of the season!